Nepal is a country that lives by the motto unity in diversity. The diversity in color, culture, landscapes, language, and architecture plays an important role in the unique craft our country is able to produce.
Fashion has been such a craft. Fashion designers and models who carry a Nepali root have always been distinct in the international market. Somewhere and somehow, the magic of Nepal stirs them up and connects them to their craft. Here are some distinct influencers from Nepal who are making their way up through the fashion world in the international arena.
Born in Singapore and raised in Nepal, Prabal Gurung loves all the things that come with fashion. In his designs, he plays with the colors of the world. His fashion is a blended canvas as its intersectionality gets inspired politically, socially, and through gender and size. His vision has always been to create a luxury brand that has a soul. His designs have been worn by top-notch personalities from all over the world including Michelle Obama, the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, Deepika Padukone, Oprah Winfrey, and many more.
Prabal Gurung has been constantly changing the dialogue of fashion and perception through diversity. His designs are inspired by all the reminiscence and travel he carries, which include his Nepali roots too. Top models like Gigi Hadid, Taylor Hill, Varsha Thapa, Winnie Harlow, Bella Hadid, and many more have walked down his fashion shows.
Varsha was born in Kathmandu and currently is an international model/ singer/ songwriter based in New York. She is known popularly in Nepal through her debut song, ‘Maya’.
Varsha Thapa has been featured in the top magazines, fashion shows/weeks, and brands. You can find her in magazines like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, and more. You have to build your foundation from scratch when you’re trying to build an international image, especially when you’re from a developing country like Nepal. Varsha has shown that dreams pave the way for you no matter how big or impossible it may seem.
Varsha has flaunted her ‘Lachha Dhago’ in Nike campaigns and Vogue articles, she calls her lacha dhago avatar, ‘VarshAvatar’. Her Nepali avatar makes her feel unstoppable and powerful.
Manish Rai is the designer that comes to the tip of our tongue when we talk about fashion and designing in Nepal. He has been actively designing for the Miss Nepal pageantry, top national models and celebrities. Manish Rai has his own collection of evening and bridal wear; they fall under the top and most intricate designs of Nepal.
The designs Manish makes are personalized so each individual who embodies them feels special, he is especially noted for his hand works and elegant, flowy, and feminine designs. His work represents Nepali culture to the core.
Manish tries to bring out diversity through his collections. The hill and mountain coverage in Nepal is all over, and to bring out the rest in Nepal, Manish has introduced collections such as the ‘Bhumija Collection’ which is inspired by the rich traditions and festivals of the Mithila region.
Manish is famous for highlighting the festive couture in Nepal.
Arpana Rayamajhi is an artist, she crafts jewelry that has been inspired by her land, Nepal. Arpana truly loves Kathmandu, and always enjoys her time when she comes back to the place that built her childhood. Whether it is eating dal bhaat with your hands, weighing yourself in at the streets for just Rs 10, or visiting the monuments of the valleys, Arpana finds the thrill in it all!
Her jewelry had been showcased in the Victoria Secret fashion show, ‘Road Ahead’ in the year 2016. Top models like Adrianna Lima, Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, and more have adorned her jewelry. For Arpana her jewelry is an extension of herself. Arpana has also been featured in Vogue India several times where her jewelry has been showcased. Her jewelry collection mostly consists of beads and threads that are found commonly in Nepal. Her colors are bright and representative of home.
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