Praise for Walk Like a Girl
“Prabal Gurung confronts some hard truths in his moving new memoir, Walk Like a Girl. . . . It’s a story that manages to be both optimistic and empathetic—sometimes quite generously so, even to some of those who didn’t treat him very well—without sugarcoating anything. . . . Walk Like a Girl doesn’t shy away from portraying the truths about what it’s really like to be an independent designer these days.”
—Vogue
“With Walk Like a Girl, the designer hopes to break any myths or preconceived notions that may surround him. . . . He also wants to tell his story—one of an immigrant who faced adversity at every step. . . . Gurung’s impressive sense of positivity is a constant no matter the topic. It’s what keeps the reader rooting for him throughout the book, and it’s likely what kept him going when most would understandably have given up.”
—W Magazine
“Designer Prabal Gurung has always been a storyteller. First, it was through the colorful, Nepal-inspired designs that helped him find early success in the cutthroat fashion world. Now, he’s sharing his life story in words with his bold new memoir, Walk Like a Girl.”
—AP News
“Known for his bold styles and storytelling in his pieces, Gurung has dressed some of the most prominent women in the world . . . but his biggest hope these days is to inspire others to show up as they are.”
—Today
“[Walk Like a Girl] traces [Prabal’s] path from Nepal to New York—and how designing for women like Michelle Obama and Beyonce helped him discover his own identity.”
—CBS Mornings
“Walk Like a Girl is a fearless exploration of the challenges and triumphs of a life lived in the spotlight. Prabal Gurung’s memoir is a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, one can rise above and become an inspiration to others.”
—Arianna Huffington, founder and CEO of Thrive Global
“A beautiful, honest, and poignant tale of a talented young man who had to fight, at every step, to turn his dreams into reality.”
—Diane von Furstenberg
“A powerful, propulsive memoir, Walk Like a Girl is an urgent and uplifting reminder that there is strength to be found in what makes us different. An intimate and inspiring account of Prabal Gurung’s remarkable journey to becoming the designer and person he is today, Walk Like a Girl is a moving testament to the power of self-love and self-acceptance.”
—Elaine Welteroth
“Walk Like a Girl is a bold and beautifully written story of the remarkable life of a man whose work is art and poetry and whose story is a testament to the power of resilience and resolve. Prabal Gurung has always stayed true to who he is, a magnificent feat given the challenges thrown his way every step of his life, yet despite it all, his joy, his lightness, his creative genius, and his goodness always shine through. It is a reminder of the power of the strong women in our lives and in being grounded in knowing one’s worth. Prabal tells us to remain hopeful, grateful, and illuminated, and he shows us the way.”
—Huma Abedin
“Prabal Gurung’s story is one of one. Walk Like a Girl is a fascinating meditation on growing up gay in South Asia, and an exhilarating celebration of his American Dream.”
—Jose Antonio Vargas, Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and author of national bestseller Dear America
“Summoning a Gurkha-like strength but wrapped in a richly embellished sari, Prabal Gurung’s memoir chronicles the extraordinary and unlikely story of a Nepali boy who walked like a girl and fought his way onto the runways, magazine covers, and galas of American and European high fashion—while never forgetting his roots. One of the most prolific designers of our time, Prabal has a deep reverence for the divine and mighty feminine, which shines boldly through his exquisite dresses and his powerful words.”
—Lisa Ling
“Walk Like a Girl is the story of an artist’s journey toward becoming, a story we do not know but must. A boy from Nepal fights violence, cruelty, and doubt, and through imagination, truth, and struggle, emerges as a designer of greater beauty, love, and power. Prabal Gurung went through a brilliant fire and came out refined, pure, and full of gold.”
—Min Jin Lee, National Book Award finalist and New York Times bestselling author of Free Food for Millionaires and Pachinko
“Before all the glitz and glamour, the parties and pretty dresses, there was a young boy who struggled to fit in, to find himself and his place in the world. That compelling story is of Prabal Gurung’s rise to the very top of the fashion world. Against all odds, Prabal makes a name for himself, a mark on America, and finally finds his purpose. It’s an inspiring tale of dreaming big and holding fast to one’s beliefs when everyone tells you no.”
—Padma Lakshmi, New York Times bestselling author and award-winning executive producer and television host
“From the heart of Nepal to the runways of New York, Prabal Gurung’s memoir is a heartfelt journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of fashion to help inspire change. With unflinching honesty, Prabal shares the challenges and triumphs that shaped his path to success.”
—Rupi Kaur, New York Times bestselling author of milk and honey
“To know Prabal is to love him. But to TRULY know Prabal more deeply through his candid, touching, forthright, and brave memoir is to respect him, admire him, and want every young person with a dream to read his story. A story of understanding, desire, the value of determination, perseverance, curiosity, and what personal success really means. Now I love him even more.”
—Sarah Jessica Parker
“Gurung is frank in this charming memoir, adeptly balancing emotional moments with delicious behind-the-scenes glimpses into the world of high fashion. His confidence, sense of empathy, and joie de vivre radiate throughout. An insightful and entertaining look into the life of a famous fashion designer.”
—Kirkus
“This is more than just a juicy fashion industry tell-all (though it is that, with plenty of Anna Wintour name-drops): in the intimate tone of a trusted friend, Gurung takes readers inside his creative process and offers sage counsel to those struggling with their own self-expression. Vulnerable, candid, and subtly defiant, this is a must-read for aspiring creatives of all stripes.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
QUICK VIEW
