Growing up in Nepal and India, Prabal Gurung dreamt of a world beyond the prejudices he experienced as a queer boy. Like many immigrants before him, he came to New York City with a dream, paving the way to create his own fashion history.

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Now, the designer and CFDA Board Vice Chair has penned a literary memoir that is at once captivating and courageous. Published by Viking and hitting shelves on May 13, 2025, “Walk Like a Girl” is described as a story of creativity, will, and inspiration.

“I wrote ‘Walk Like a Girl’ because I could no longer keep my story to myself,” Gurung said. “The idea started decades ago and I finally sat down to write this memoir six years ago. There’s never a right or wrong time to share your story. Sometimes, you just have to speak up because tomorrow is not guaranteed.

“You should be the one telling your own story,” he added. “For too long, others have shared our stories through a lens that suits the majority. This is a story of resilience, of finding strength in the face of adversity, and of daring to be different. It’s about finding your voice and using it to inspire others.”

Gurung’s American Dream wasn’t always paved with roses. Rising through the fashion ranks, he faced discrimination and the book offers a look into the world of fashion and how to best navigate it to dress women from Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama to Kamala Harris, as Gurung has.

The designer’s mother, Durga Rana, played a huge part in his trajectory and success, which was fueled by her unwavering love and support and encouragement to be “unapologetically himself.”

“My hope is that by sharing my experiences, I can empower readers to embrace their unique journeys, break free from societal expectations, and live authentically,” Gurung said. “Because let’s face it, life is too short to settle for anything less than extraordinary.”

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