Prabal Gurung Feminist Finale at Fall 2017 Fashion Show

On Sunday, Prabal Gurung took center stage at New York Fashion Week to deliver a powerful message of feminism to the women.

Prabal Gurung Feminist Fall 2017 Runway Finale - NYFW

At a time of great political interest, where we can’t seem to escape discussion of the events in Washington and around the world, it makes sense that New York Fashion Week would be the stage for a statement or two. On Sunday, Prabal Gurung made his move – unveiling a beautiful Fall 2017 collection with model-of-the-moment Bella Hadid leading the pack. As models filed down the runway in vibrant looks to a soundtrack of Aretha Franklin’s Respect, one would assume that was the statement. A multicultural show with undertones of diversity and respect. That in itself would have been a slam dunk in today’s climate of unrest.

Then, Prabal Gurung Dropped the Mic.

Suddenly, the lights go dim and a haunting cover of John Lennon’s Imagine fills the room. Bella Hadid returns to the runway, this time leading a much more somber pack. Models floated down the runway before a sea of silent onlookers in basic tees, each showcasing a prominent statement. The message?

“The Future is Female”

“My Boyfriend is a Feminist”

“My Girlfriend is a Feminist”

“3 Million”

“Love is Love”

“Break Down Walls”

“Love is the Resistance”

“I am an Immigrant”

“We’re Still Here”

“We Will Not be Silenced”

A Powerful Prabal Gurung Feminist Finale

The Prabal Gurung finale was a display so beautiful, it both gave me chills and resonates still with me long after the show’s completion. Imagine has always been one of my favorite songs (how could it not be?) and the calm behind such a powerful message was both very moving and inspiring.

It was a statement so beautiful, strong and poignant that I simply had to share with you on Dream in Lace – because I think no matter who you are, or what you believe, you can absorb and it appreciate it’s power.

Please enjoy the runway video below. The full show is stunning and worth watching, but the powerful finale begins at 6:45.

Prabal Gurung’s Love Letter to You, the Woman

Yes, Prabal Gurung is an artist and designer. He is also, and has always been, a strong voice for expression, love and beauty. The notes for the powerful collection and finale are inspirational and I wanted to share them with you. His words are exquisite and I hope we can all take them with us into our daily lives.

Here is Prabal Gurung’s letter to you on the inspiration behind his Fall 2017 collection and finale:

Today, I bring to you the women who inspire me – those made of strength, inner beauty, graceful femininity and vigilance. We are awake, alive and inspired to celebrate women from all walks of life. This is the time to speak our conviction and use our voices to invoke change. This is the upside of the downside.

Femininity has not one definition and this fall begins with a question – what does it mean to say a woman should ‘dress like a woman?’

From utilitarian overcoats and two-tone work gloves, to chantilly lace and hand-embroidered gowns with 220,000 delicately woven crystals; floral prints and hand-knit cable cashmere, this season we offer multiple ways to celebrate the exuberance of being a woman and to interpret her femininity as she sees fit.

We look back to the women in the 1940s America and Nepal – the women who maintained grace under pressure and held a quiet power, a secret weapon during war. These women are workers, mothers, fighters and sisters who understood that one minority’s downfall is equivalent to the demise of all humanity.

This notion of modern feminine power is reflected in silhouettes that draw on military detailing with blurred camo prints juxtaposed with strategically placed ruching to showcase the female form.

This is my love letter to you, our woman, who inspires us to present our unabashed and unapologetic definition of femininity with a bite.

x PG

Prabal Gurung Feminist Statement Tee at Fall 2017 finale