A few days ago, news broke that Prabal Gurung will be the next fashion designer to collaborate with plus size fashion retailer Lane Bryant on a collection.
The retailer told Women’s Wear Daily that Gurung will produce two seasons for them starting in March 2017. Many people have asked, who is Prabal Gurung? And why should we be excited for this?
Gurung launched his first collection in February 2009 and has been going non-stop ever since. He designs with the philosophy of “encompassing modern luxury, indelible style and an astute sense of glamour”, according to his website. Think luxe but effortless, with little eye-catching details, clean lines and gorgeous silhouettes.
The Singapore-born Nepali fashion designer is based in New York City and the reason for his wanting to work with Lane Bryant is unique in comparison to previous designers that have collaborated with the retailer.
Linda Heasley, CEO of Lane Bryant, told Women’s Wear Daily:
“He can’t get buyers in department stores to buy his large sizes so he wants to work with us.”
Say what?!? Yes, you read right. Gurung actually wants to promote his larger sizes! While many straight size fashion designers who have plus size lines choose to not promote their plus sizes and keep them hidden, Gurung is the opposite. He wants to promote and sell more of his plus sizes!
According to Gurung, it has been a challenge for him to find regular retailers willing to stock his larger sizes.
His ready-to-wear collections are available in up to size 22. However, he told WWD, “When the buyers come, they are buying to what they think they need.” Sometimes that does not include plus sizes. With his collab with Lane Bryant, his collections will be available in up to size 28 so this will be an opportunity for Gurung to design above a size 22.
Naturally, him partnering with Lane Bryant is a no-brainer. The retailer has been very welcoming in collaborating with designers; this being their fifth designer to partner with. With Gurung already designing larger sizes, this is an amazing opportunity to not only promote those sizes but give him more exposure to the plus size fashion world.
We checked out his Resort 2017 collection on his website and these looks already have us swooning at what’s to come with his collaboration with Lane Bryant:
Gurung’s first collection with Lane Bryant will launch in March 2017 in-store and online at www.lanebryant.com, with prices ranging $48 to $398.
What do you think of Parbal Gurung and his collaborating with Lane Bryant? Comment below and let us know!