Designers often look to faraway places for inspiration, interpreting the exotic nature of an international destination and, in some cases, mixing their deep feelings for their homeland into their creations.
That's the case for hot young designer Prabal Gurung, who's a favorite of hip stars on the red carpet. In just the last few weeks several have been photographed in his eye-catching attire — Jennifer Hudson (while singing for the Pope and at opening night for the New York City Ballet), The Affair's Ruth Wilson (on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert), actress Halston Sage (at the premiere of Goosebumps) and American Horror Story's Sarah Paulson (at the Emmys in a custom off-the-shoulder navy sequin gown).
Gurung's spring 2016 collection, unveiled during New York Fashion Week, will give his fans plenty to be excited about, although it's a bit of a departure for him. Gurung pays tribute to his homeland of Nepal, with fluid dresses and gowns in shades of saffron, burnt orange, and vermilion (a brilliant scarlet), matching the colors of the robes a group of Buddhist monks wore while opening the show by chanting a blessing.
Gurung said in his program notes that he relied on images of growing up in Nepal — "a collage of my memories gathered" — while sketching designs for the collection. "I wanted the word to experience a glimpse of what Nepal means to me," he explained.
Gurung was deeply affected by a major earthquake that destroyed Katmandu in April and has poured his energies into raising funds for its residents. He has brought in more than $1 million for relief efforts and credits the fashion industry for its support.
The collection, which also includes shades of dusty pink, pale yellow, gunmetal gray, and jet black, has a beauty and ease, with unadorned dresses that flow as models move down the runway. Jacquard prints are patterned after delicate Nepalese jewelry or marked with powder brushstrokes evocative of the culture, but the look is not overly reverential or costume-y.
Two of the season's big trends are highlighted with sheer overlays in some designs and a couple of shift dresses with long fringe hems. And the simple body-skimming gowns in silk charmeuse and chiffon that close the show are sure to be favorites of Gurung's Hollywood set and attract a number of new customers.
Prabal Gurung vermilion silk chiffon halter gown and saffron marisol sandal.
DIIV's set was moody, but propulsive thanks to strong bass lines.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Zachary Cole Smith can always be counted on for a nostalgic 'fit.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Starcleaner Reunion singer Jo Roman keeps the beat.Photo by Brianna Caleri
From the looks of it, no one had a better time onstage than Wayne Coyne, frontman of the Flaming Lips.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The tinsel whip was one of many props.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Flaming Lips are known for touring with huge inflatables.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A joyful crowd reacts to being blasted with confetti during the Flaming Lips' set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Ty Segall was king of the guitar jams.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Segall's painted jeans were probably the most unique fashion statement all weekend.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Psych Fest uniform: Earthy shorts and calf tattoos.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thomas Attar Bellier of Al-Qasar plays a beautifully adorned electric saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The more mics, the better for Al-Qasar.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A closer look at the saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Lyrics in Arabic brought extra gravitas to the set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
How's that for a desert hallucination?Photo by Brianna Caleri
New Candys guitarist Emanuele Zanardo puts a physical flourish in his playing.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A portal opens...Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Black Angels interrupted the technicolor parade for a largely black-and-white set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Black Angels bassist Misti Hamrick-French basks in the cold glow of a strobe light.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Dumbo Gets Mad reminds us that Italians just get fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Luca Bergomi gets in on bassist Ivan Torelli's shot.Photo by Brianna Caleri
LA LOM bassist Jake Faulkner captures the sun.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Zac Sokolow danced for the whole set, which happened to be on his birthday.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's grandstanding added flavor to the show, which ultimately didn't need psychedelic visuals.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's howls cut through the air, hardly amplified.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Trish Toledo paid homage to mothers and couples in her romantic set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Not a practical shoe for a rainy weekend. We salute her sacrifice for fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thee Sacred Souls closed out the festival with a brass section.Photo by Brianna Caleri
This backup singer was exquisitely styled in blue.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Singer Josh Lane snapped a photo of an adoring audience. See you next time, Josh.Photo by Brianna Caleri