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The Nepal-born designer based in New York; Prabal Gurung has been running his design label for over 10 years. Ever passionate about giving back to the city and producing sustainable, inclusive designs, it’s no shock that his announcement to go into bridal wear maintains the same ethics.
Prabal’s 2019 show was entitled ‘Who gets to be an American?’, now two years later the Met Gala is exploring ‘America Fashion’ for its ‘21 theme, proving Gurung’s innate ability to be ahead of the curve. This is a notion that is carried through into Gurung’s ‘22 bridal collection, as described by the label itself; ‘The Bridal 2022 collection is an ode to all those valiant enough to wield power and buoyancy to love’.
Having designed custom wedding gowns previously, Gurung is no stranger to the workings of wedding dresses, yet this is his first fully dedicated collection of bridal gowns.
The release of the collection entitled ‘A Love Letter’ included thirteen white gowns and separates. Gurung’s collection title is fitting for both a description of the collection itself and what it means to Gurung; it is a love letter to each bride who is brave and optimistic enough to rejoice in and commemorate the love that they feel. Gurung is no stranger to love letters either, with his last collection being an ode to his beloved New York.
The collection is, unsurprisingly from Gurung, sleek, glamorous, elegant, and detailed. The graceful collection includes a beautiful ‘two-piece’; a silk faille tie strapped corset top and a detachable silk faille A-line skirt with functional rouleau buttons, a piece which can have a variety of looks given its detachability and ability to partially button up to create alternate silhouettes.
Of course, the versatility of the collection is all a part of Gurung’s pledge to sustainability; not only can the gowns in traditional style be handed down through generations, adapted mildly along the way to keep them contemporary, but the detachable pieces mean that the gowns can be worn simply as a corset or skirt for various occasions. WWD reported that speaking on the subject of sustainability in his line, Gurung stated ‘As the world is having a conversation about sustainability, sustainability is not just about the fabrics that you use. It’s about where you make a carbon footprint, who makes it, and what is the life cycle of this garment’.
Other garments from the collection hold a candle to Gurung’s previous designs in terms of their silhouettes and details including dramatic tired skirts, partially closed button fastenings, and billowing sleeves. All these details consistent in Gurung’s work, but re-explored in refined, classic whites and pearl tones.
As part of Gurung’s mission to give back to the city of New York, all of the designs from this collection, just like his previous, are all produced and designed in New York itself. Of the collection’s creation and designs, Gurung wrote ‘Every piece is hand-crafted and hand-embroidered here in my studio, giving every design my full attention and love. Those who wear this bridal collection, I want them to feel that’.
A more detailed look at the collection reveals the intricacy that each piece thrives upon, highlights including a column dress with hand-draped twist detailing upon a silk bodice with a detachable silk bustle bow, as well as a strapless tiered silk dress with hand-embroidered crystals with a rouleau buttoned back.
Notable elements of Gurung’s bridal collection however involve a bell-bottomed suit in a crisp white shade which encapsulates all the subtle sweeping glamour of a bridal dress into a honed, alluring power suit. The short, balloon-skirted dress with a sharpened sweetheart neckline also leaves a lasting impression.
‘the very fact that people fall in love and get married … is the ultimate sign of hope and optimism. It’s been an incredibly difficult year for all and I wanted those who wear this collection to feel glamorous and well represented on the most important day of their lives. I’m excited to see my friends and loved ones celebrate their unions in the near future. I’m looking forward to being a part of their special day in a personal and unique way.’
– Prabal Gurung
The price of the collection ranges from $2,895 to $10,000 with a sizing range of US 0-14 at retail, with larger sizes also available via custom order. The collection will be released and available for purchase in October 2021.
Words By Megan Selway
