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Walk Like a Girl

A Memoir

Hardcover
$32.00 US
6"W x 9"H | 18 oz | 12 per carton
On sale May 13, 2025 | 320 Pages | 9780593493274

From acclaimed fashion designer Prabal Gurung comes a captivating, courageous literary memoir, a testament to the transformative power of creativity, and a celebration of the power of femininity and individuality

Walk Like a Girl is the story of a queer boy who yearned for a world beyond the confines of prejudice he experienced growing up in Nepal and India. He came to New York, a hopeful immigrant lured by the siren song of the American Dream, only to encounter pernicious discrimination as he rose within the glossy world of New York high society and high fashion. Chronicling his rise to success as a fashion designer, Prabal reveals the inner workings of this beautiful, treacherous, rarefied world—and what it takes to survive.   

With brutal honesty, Prabal takes us on a journey from Nepal to New York, and from the harrowing experiences that shaped him to his inspiring, hard-won ascent to the designer he is today, dressing American icons like Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama, and Kamala Harris.

Walk Like a Girl is also an ode to Prabal’s mother, Durga Rana, whose unwavering love and support gave him the courage to be unapologetically himself. To understand that the things people wanted to shame out of him were, paradoxically, his superpowers. 

A defiant anthem for the soul, Walk Like a Girl is an invitation to rewrite your story. To shatter the mold into which society has tried to cast you. When we learn to embrace the power of vulnerability, the beauty of imperfection, and the infinite possibilities within each of us, we begin to see the extraordinary power within ourselves, waiting to be unleashed.
Praise for Walk Like a Girl

"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)
© Javier Ortega
Prabal Gurung is an award-winning fashion designer who has been at the forefront of American fashion since launching his eponymous label in 2009. He has been a relentless advocate for diversity, shattering beauty norms and championing inclusivity on the runway and beyond since the beginning of his career. His designs, a masterful blend of beauty, luxury, and edge, are as iconic as his commitment to social change. He is the co-vice chair of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, a co-founder of the Shikshya Foundation Nepal, a non-profit organization creating a critical mass of leaders in Nepal, and a co-founder/board member of Gold House, a cultural ecosystem that empowers Asian Pacific leaders to power tomorrow for all. Prabal has written numerous op-eds and has been interviewed on major networks, leveraging his platform to address critical social issues, from racial injustice to gender equality, especially surrounding the Asian and Black diaspora. A true industry disruptor based in New York City for over two decades, he has become a prominent figure in the city's cultural and social landscape, and he is redefining the role of the fashion designer as a catalyst for positive change. View titles by Prabal Gurung

About

From acclaimed fashion designer Prabal Gurung comes a captivating, courageous literary memoir, a testament to the transformative power of creativity, and a celebration of the power of femininity and individuality

Walk Like a Girl is the story of a queer boy who yearned for a world beyond the confines of prejudice he experienced growing up in Nepal and India. He came to New York, a hopeful immigrant lured by the siren song of the American Dream, only to encounter pernicious discrimination as he rose within the glossy world of New York high society and high fashion. Chronicling his rise to success as a fashion designer, Prabal reveals the inner workings of this beautiful, treacherous, rarefied world—and what it takes to survive.   

With brutal honesty, Prabal takes us on a journey from Nepal to New York, and from the harrowing experiences that shaped him to his inspiring, hard-won ascent to the designer he is today, dressing American icons like Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama, and Kamala Harris.

Walk Like a Girl is also an ode to Prabal’s mother, Durga Rana, whose unwavering love and support gave him the courage to be unapologetically himself. To understand that the things people wanted to shame out of him were, paradoxically, his superpowers. 

A defiant anthem for the soul, Walk Like a Girl is an invitation to rewrite your story. To shatter the mold into which society has tried to cast you. When we learn to embrace the power of vulnerability, the beauty of imperfection, and the infinite possibilities within each of us, we begin to see the extraordinary power within ourselves, waiting to be unleashed.

Praise

Praise for Walk Like a Girl

"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)

Author

© Javier Ortega
Prabal Gurung is an award-winning fashion designer who has been at the forefront of American fashion since launching his eponymous label in 2009. He has been a relentless advocate for diversity, shattering beauty norms and championing inclusivity on the runway and beyond since the beginning of his career. His designs, a masterful blend of beauty, luxury, and edge, are as iconic as his commitment to social change. He is the co-vice chair of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, a co-founder of the Shikshya Foundation Nepal, a non-profit organization creating a critical mass of leaders in Nepal, and a co-founder/board member of Gold House, a cultural ecosystem that empowers Asian Pacific leaders to power tomorrow for all. Prabal has written numerous op-eds and has been interviewed on major networks, leveraging his platform to address critical social issues, from racial injustice to gender equality, especially surrounding the Asian and Black diaspora. A true industry disruptor based in New York City for over two decades, he has become a prominent figure in the city's cultural and social landscape, and he is redefining the role of the fashion designer as a catalyst for positive change. View titles by Prabal Gurung