Sherpa Chic: Prabal Gurung Fall 2014

Even if it weren’t for the streaker who took to the runway, New York would be talking about Prabal Gurung. The designer has established himself as one of the city’s new guard, creating red carpet-ready dresses with just enough edge to titillate, not turn off. This season, though, he went for something a little different, and took his girl out of Hollywood and onto the wintry city street.

Inspired by a trip to his homeland of Nepal, Gurung did away with formalities, shrouding his models in layers of oversized knits and separates, recalling a bundled-up Sherpa. Rich blends of fur and chiffon were perfectly practical for the city’s current crazy weather, and it was hard not to dream of cozying up into those lush capes and scarves and sweaters. Like the entire collection, the color palette was understated but rich with shots of vermillion, evergreen, and persimmon amid a range of neutrals. At the end, a trio of slit-to-there gowns surely gave Gurung’s most dedicated followers a sigh of relief, as they have a date with Oscar right around the corner.

In the draping, there were nods to recent offerings from Joseph Altuzarra, Rodarte and Balenciaga. Overall, however, it’s interesting to see a talented designer explore new territory — one that we can only hope he delves deeper into, with his own instincts as his guide. 

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