By Larry Stanbury
Prabal Gurung looked toward women living worlds apart for his Spring/Summer 2027 collection, titled “ray of light.” His references included Nepali women gathering at a dhunge dhara, a public stone tap used for bathing and washing clothes, and a Brooklyn woman dancing with a feather boa at a Zero Chill rave. Together, those images informed a collection rooted in movement, freedom, and women confidently inhabiting their identities.
The Collection
The opening look started with a strapless white dress knotted around the hips, establishing the relaxed sensuality Gurung pursued throughout the collection. Elegant floor-length dresses followed, with fluid fabrics and carefully placed back cutouts, bringing a sense of ease to the runway.
Marigold and jasmine motifs connected the collection to nature and Gurung’s heritage. The flowers appeared across an intricately beaded jacket, three-dimensional embroidered dresses, and airy organza chiffon designs, creating a dialogue between cultural memory and contemporary New York energy.
The Beauty
Backstage, Borghese prepared the models’ skin to reflect the inner-light at the heart of the collection. The skincare brand returned as Gurung’s partner for a second New York Fashion Week season, building upon a shared appreciation for culture, heritage, and the celebration of women. Rather than chasing perfection, the skin preparation focused on freshness and natural radiance.
EpicLight Beauty completed the vision as the show’s makeup sponsor. Key makeup artist Carly Giglio created fresh, dimensional complexions paired with soft, hydrated lips. Nourishing and smoothing formulas enhanced the models’ natural features without masking them, allowing each face to retain its individuality.
From the contrast between Nepal and Brooklyn to the interplay of delicate florals and sensual silhouettes, rays of light found beauty in authenticity. Gurung’s collaboration with Borghese and EpicLight Beauty carried that message from the clothes to the complexion, presenting a woman whose confidence comes from being fully and visibly herself.
