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The young Nepalese fashion designer Prabal Gurung has been courted by the world's top style magazines and won plaudits for his creations from some of Hollywood's best-known actresses.
But it was not until Michelle Obama attended a function wearing a dress he designed that his parents, who live in the Nepalese capital Kathmandu, finally believed he had made it.
"My mom had always kind of brushed off my success. She would say, 'Talk to me when Michelle Obama wears one of your designs,'" Gurung, who lives in New York, told AFP during a recent visit to his native Nepal.
"She was the first person I called when I heard the news."
Prabal, who will not give his exact age but is in his 30s, is one of the hottest young fashion designers in New York.
Demi Moore has tweeted his praises, Rachel Weisz appeared on the red carpet wearing one of his dresses, and the hugely influential editor of American Vogue, Anna Wintour, has given him her backing.
But in Nepal, where making clothes is seen as menial work for women and people from low castes, he is rarely even recognised.
"Of course, I am not as famous as (local actor) Bhuwan KC," jokes Gurung, whose dresses sell from $1,400 (R10,600) – almost four times the average annual salary in Nepal.
"But considering the economy here and lack of disposable income Nepalese people have, they are very creative. I think they are way more fashion-conscious than lots of South Asians."
Star power
Just a year after launching his namesake brand, Prabal had won the support of Wintour -- arguably the most influential woman in the fashion business.
"Every designer wants Anna's approval," says Gurung, who describes his collection as "chic and timeless, yet modern."
The first Prabal Gurung design worn by actress Demi Moore was inspired by a traditional Nepalese women's wrap dress known as the Haku Patasi and the designer says he is "subtly influenced by Nepalese and Indian designs."
It's a tough market and we think Prabal has made his mark! Versace, Valentino, Elie Saab, Marchesa… who's your favourite red carpet designer?
But it was not until Michelle Obama attended a function wearing a dress he designed that his parents, who live in the Nepalese capital Kathmandu, finally believed he had made it.
"My mom had always kind of brushed off my success. She would say, 'Talk to me when Michelle Obama wears one of your designs,'" Gurung, who lives in New York, told AFP during a recent visit to his native Nepal.
"She was the first person I called when I heard the news."
Prabal, who will not give his exact age but is in his 30s, is one of the hottest young fashion designers in New York. Demi Moore has tweeted his praises, Rachel Weisz appeared on the red carpet wearing one of his dresses, and the hugely influential editor of American Vogue, Anna Wintour, has given him her backing.
But in Nepal, where making clothes is seen as menial work for women and people from low castes, he is rarely even recognised.
"Of course, I am not as famous as (local actor) Bhuwan KC," jokes Gurung, whose dresses sell from $1,400 (R10,600) – almost four times the average annual salary in Nepal.
"But considering the economy here and lack of disposable income Nepalese people have, they are very creative. I think they are way more fashion-conscious than lots of South Asians."
Star power
Just a year after launching his namesake brand, Prabal had won the support of Wintour -- arguably the most influential woman in the fashion business.
"Every designer wants Anna's approval," says Gurung, who describes his collection as "chic and timeless, yet modern."
The first Prabal Gurung design worn by actress Demi Moore was inspired by a traditional Nepalese women's wrap dress known as the Haku Patasi and the designer says he is "subtly influenced by Nepalese and Indian designs."
It's a tough market and we think Prabal has made his mark! Versace, Valentino, Elie Saab, Marchesa… who's your favourite red carpet designer?
