NY Fashion Week: Himalayan designs, streaker at Prabal Gurung's show

Glimpses from Prabal Gurung's show at New York Fashion Week 2014.

Set amidst gongs and music of the mountains of his native Nepal, Prabal Gurung's Himalayan-inspired Fall collection made a mark at the New York Fashion Week 2014.

And if there was some unusual activity on the runway it only made the show an even bigger talking point.

Here’s the front row experience.

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In a complete 180 from his spring collection of pastels that paid homage to ’50s Americana, Prabal Gurung's fall collection paid tribute to his other home, Nepal.

'The Prabal Gurung collections have often referenced Nepalese culture,' the designer who grew up in Kathmandu says on his Web site, 'but this season is directly inspired by Nepal, and the richly mythical and legendary culture it celebrates.'

The inspiration came from Mustang, an ancient Tibetan kingdom that is now part of Nepal. Home to one of the world’s last existing indigenous tribes, it was closed to outsiders until 1991. 

Gurung's homage to his Himalayan upbringing and this mystic landscape was visible first in the red palette and with each passing creation in the folds of the fabric and the sarong-inspired angles. 

The vibe was briefly disrupted by a streaker, later identified as Vitalli Sedium, a Ukranian-born wannabe-actor.

As a guard gave chase, he ran along side the models, even knelt before one as she walked, but the models never missed a step.

He was soon escorted off stage, and it was back to more of a collection that is being called one of Gurung’s best.

Down the runway lined with gongs to keep with its Himalayan theme, models walked in opera coats, tailored jackets and sweaters in the deep crimsons, saffrons and earth tones visible in Mustang.

They were offset by lush furs, Mongolian lamb, cashmeres in the grey of skies and the white of the snow, perfect for the ski lodge.

From a designer know for his red-carpet dresses, the segue to sportswear was the show’s big surprise.

The designer didn’t miss his signature touch though, as witnessed in the wispy chiffons and organza of the skirts and blouses.

Ankle bells jingling softly amid the strappy sandals — another departure for the season — were nods to his leitmotif and the Gurung style. 

Pantsuits regularly leaped out at us on the New York Fashion Week runway, leaving us lusting, especially Gurung’s deconstructed and draped pantsuits. 

Gurung’s finale was all about gowns — a mix of textures and fabrics, a tantalizing play of cover and flash.

Probably it was the inspiration or the familiarity of it, or probably it was just Prabal Gurung, but the raves for his Mustang-inspired fall collection were unanimous.

Case in point… Click on NEXT

Even Vogue editor Anna Wintour, center, and her daughter Bee Shaffer, left, were spotted listening attentively to Prabal Gurung backstage at his show.

This collection is undoubtedly going to be on many wish lists.