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Walk Like a Girl: A Memoir
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.
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.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published May 13, 2025
37 people are currently reading
4358 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 12, 2025
If I had to sum up this memoir in one word, it would be inspiring.
Gurung was born and raised in Nepal where he experienced trauma with his father, bullying, and sexual assault. But he had the love and acceptance of his mother (honestly loved his mom) and a determination and courage that allowed him to stay true to himself.
He made his way to NYC to pursue his dream of becoming a fashion designer, facing challenges by being a person of color in a predominately white field. His grit, persistence, and authenticity was so inspiring and moving and I celebrated each win and dream achieved with him.
While my heart broke more than once while reading this, I loved this memoir and feel joy over all Gurung accomplished despite many adversities.
Gurung was born and raised in Nepal where he experienced trauma with his father, bullying, and sexual assault. But he had the love and acceptance of his mother (honestly loved his mom) and a determination and courage that allowed him to stay true to himself.
He made his way to NYC to pursue his dream of becoming a fashion designer, facing challenges by being a person of color in a predominately white field. His grit, persistence, and authenticity was so inspiring and moving and I celebrated each win and dream achieved with him.
While my heart broke more than once while reading this, I loved this memoir and feel joy over all Gurung accomplished despite many adversities.
April 30, 2025
I’m always going to support my nepali people🫶🏼 Definitely looking forward to this one!
December 8, 2024
A compelling read by notable fashion designer. Sometimes it felt over-edited as if it wasn’t in his voice, but nevertheless a candid, harrowing, and uplifting account of pursuing the American Dream.
June 26, 2025
Okay this book needs a better publicist because what a fantastically done memoir with no where near enough fanfare.
June 18, 2025
I may have heard the name Prabal Gurung before but the first time he made a notable impression on me was when Michelle Obama wore his dress. From then, it’s been very cool to see his star rise and it was amazing to see Alia Bhatt make her Met Gala debut with him. So it was very exciting for me to pick up his memoir coz I wanted to know his story.
And this turned out not to be what I expected at all. His childhood in Nepal or later his higher education in India had so much ups and downs, and so many emotional moments that I felt whiplash at times. But the way he motivated himself to overcome the extremely hard times and strive towards achieving his dream is commendable. I found the candidness with which he tells us his life experiences - good, bad and ugly - very refreshing. And particularly beautiful to read was his relationship with his mom, and how much she stood as a rock and made him the kind of person he is today. Equally powerful are his bonds with his siblings, so thoughtful and supportive in all his endeavors.
As I don’t understand the fashion world much, this book gave a small but interesting glimpse into the high end luxury fashion scene in NYC. But the best part for me was the way Prabal decided that being successful wasn’t enough, he had to make use of his success to stand for something, give voice to his community and other marginalized voices, and he did all this despite being advised not to do so.
Overall, at times sad but mostly very uplifting and inspiring story of a fashion icon in his own right, showing a guiding light for future aspiring queer south Asian designers.
And this turned out not to be what I expected at all. His childhood in Nepal or later his higher education in India had so much ups and downs, and so many emotional moments that I felt whiplash at times. But the way he motivated himself to overcome the extremely hard times and strive towards achieving his dream is commendable. I found the candidness with which he tells us his life experiences - good, bad and ugly - very refreshing. And particularly beautiful to read was his relationship with his mom, and how much she stood as a rock and made him the kind of person he is today. Equally powerful are his bonds with his siblings, so thoughtful and supportive in all his endeavors.
As I don’t understand the fashion world much, this book gave a small but interesting glimpse into the high end luxury fashion scene in NYC. But the best part for me was the way Prabal decided that being successful wasn’t enough, he had to make use of his success to stand for something, give voice to his community and other marginalized voices, and he did all this despite being advised not to do so.
Overall, at times sad but mostly very uplifting and inspiring story of a fashion icon in his own right, showing a guiding light for future aspiring queer south Asian designers.
January 7, 2026
An incredibly inspiring memoir. His childhood took place in the neighborhood I live in Nepal, and I could envision everywhere he referenced.
I did feel that this felt a little “over edited” at times, but the story is compelling, beautiful and heartening.
Trigger warning: on page sexual abuse, on page bullying and abuse.
I did feel that this felt a little “over edited” at times, but the story is compelling, beautiful and heartening.
Trigger warning: on page sexual abuse, on page bullying and abuse.
July 12, 2025
Dear Prabal Gurung,
Thank you for writing this memoir. You have shown the world that dreams only work when we do and that's what makes them real. Thank you for sharing your world with us and being so open about your struggles and painful experiences. It felt like you were telling the stories of so many people (both Nepali and non-Nepali) who fight to find their place in a society that doesn’t always welcome those who are different from the norm. Reading your story gave me hope and made me feel seen. Thank you for all you do.
Thank you for writing this memoir. You have shown the world that dreams only work when we do and that's what makes them real. Thank you for sharing your world with us and being so open about your struggles and painful experiences. It felt like you were telling the stories of so many people (both Nepali and non-Nepali) who fight to find their place in a society that doesn’t always welcome those who are different from the norm. Reading your story gave me hope and made me feel seen. Thank you for all you do.
May 7, 2025
Beautiful, moving, thoughtful, inspiring, insightful - not that I would expect anything less from Prabal. What an honor to hear his story in his words.
June 3, 2025
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and honestly, memoirs are not my thing but I wanted to branch out and try something new. Overall I would rate the book 3.5 stars for me but I simply think that’s because it was something new and challenged me. I loved the actual story though, it was incredibly inspiring and also very interesting to see the world through the life of someone else.
February 2, 2026
Happy to have read this! Prabal, you are a star and I see you!!!! My Himalayan sister
September 9, 2025
I don’t think I knew enough about Prabal Gurung when I first picked up this book, which makes no sense to me upon finishing it. I knew the name and the fact that Michelle Obama wore his dress. I vaguely remember the Target collab. But somehow so much about him is in the Venn diagram of things I love and relate to, and yet I still knew nothing. Fashion? Check. Desi? Check. Feminist? Check. Bollywood fan? Check. Politically active? Check. Has dressed EVERYONE awesome? Check.
Very inspiring from start to finish, and the acknowledgments section was an added treat (Karan Johar, Oprah, AND SJP? A fever dream.).
Very inspiring from start to finish, and the acknowledgments section was an added treat (Karan Johar, Oprah, AND SJP? A fever dream.).
June 13, 2025
An inspiring memoir that should be on everyone’s list, hearing it in Prabal’s voice just adds to his story showcasing his passion for his work and for helping others.
June 7, 2025
Really engaging read, including for someone like who may not have heard of Prabal Gurung’s work before reading this. Prabal tells his story based on the major moments in his life and not only his awards or “big fashion moments”. I was really inspired by Prabal’s focus in the book (and in his life) on his growth, advocacy, values and heart which is harder the higher you go in an industry but Prabal continues to choose to speak up.
June 12, 2025
What a way to close out AAPIH Month and kick off Pride Month. Prabal Gurung is a huge name in the fashion industry. He is a mainstay at the Met Gala and on red carpets and he’s dressed Michelle Obama, Kamala Harris and Oprah Winfrey to name just a few. You’ve definitely seen his work.
In his memoir, he talks about growing up as a boy in Nepal who knew he was different and fought back against his bullies. He is a huge proponent in the industry for diversity and inclusion and that goes back to his very early days growing up.
He is truly remarkable and I definitely recommend checking this out on audio.
In his memoir, he talks about growing up as a boy in Nepal who knew he was different and fought back against his bullies. He is a huge proponent in the industry for diversity and inclusion and that goes back to his very early days growing up.
He is truly remarkable and I definitely recommend checking this out on audio.
May 28, 2025
To Prabal Gurung:
I am about as far from the world of high fashion as one could imagine. And yet, as the proud and loving parent of a trans son, there was so much I could relate to in your book. Yours is an amazing and ultimately hopeful story. I’m grateful to you for your vulnerability and willingness to share your journey thus far. It takes great courage, and you share a message we need now more than ever. (And your mother is now one of my heroes. As a domestic violence survivor myself, I have such admiration for her strength, grace, and generosity of spirit, which shines clearly through in your telling.)
Thank you for all you do and all you are, and for your generous heart.
I am about as far from the world of high fashion as one could imagine. And yet, as the proud and loving parent of a trans son, there was so much I could relate to in your book. Yours is an amazing and ultimately hopeful story. I’m grateful to you for your vulnerability and willingness to share your journey thus far. It takes great courage, and you share a message we need now more than ever. (And your mother is now one of my heroes. As a domestic violence survivor myself, I have such admiration for her strength, grace, and generosity of spirit, which shines clearly through in your telling.)
Thank you for all you do and all you are, and for your generous heart.
May 24, 2025
Prabal rocks
This was the first time that I read a “memoir”. I loved this book.
I always wanted to be a fashion designer. I went to school for two years and I don’t know what happened. I think we moved and I never picked it up again.
This book was very well written. Prabal was able to make you feel like you were in the story with him, I liked that.
This was the first time that I read a “memoir”. I loved this book.
I always wanted to be a fashion designer. I went to school for two years and I don’t know what happened. I think we moved and I never picked it up again.
This book was very well written. Prabal was able to make you feel like you were in the story with him, I liked that.
July 31, 2025
Prabal is the embodiment of the American Dream! He came to the US with the clothes off his back and ten years later was launching what would become a very successful fashion label. You would think this memoir would be a window into the fashion industry and full of gratitude for his achievements. It is not.
It is a slow paced narrative extremely egocentric continually whining about racism, the sexual abuses of his youth and the complete devotion to his mother. Not to say those are not valid points but mention them several times and also focus on the positives obtained. The voice is monotonous and mostly telling the story, not showing. It’s hard to sympathize with the main character, though the story is inspirational.
Then it became political. Good for him to use his platform to speak out for his values that’s part of the American Dream. “Freedom of Speech” and “Right to Vote”, but that’s not why people bought his book.
I had no idea there were so many in-closet gay youths in Nepal and India that would kiss the author in private and humiliate him in public or was this an exaggeration?
Though there were examples of what it entails to succeed in the fashion world, there were few and far between. There were more descriptions on one-night stands or joining the mile-high club with a stranger.
The ending seemed far-fetched. A Cinderella ending for a happy ending Hollywood movie. It felt fake.
It is a slow paced narrative extremely egocentric continually whining about racism, the sexual abuses of his youth and the complete devotion to his mother. Not to say those are not valid points but mention them several times and also focus on the positives obtained. The voice is monotonous and mostly telling the story, not showing. It’s hard to sympathize with the main character, though the story is inspirational.
Then it became political. Good for him to use his platform to speak out for his values that’s part of the American Dream. “Freedom of Speech” and “Right to Vote”, but that’s not why people bought his book.
I had no idea there were so many in-closet gay youths in Nepal and India that would kiss the author in private and humiliate him in public or was this an exaggeration?
Though there were examples of what it entails to succeed in the fashion world, there were few and far between. There were more descriptions on one-night stands or joining the mile-high club with a stranger.
The ending seemed far-fetched. A Cinderella ending for a happy ending Hollywood movie. It felt fake.
September 28, 2025
As someone who loves a good celebrity memoir, especially one tied to fashion, I was immediately drawn to “Walk Like a Girl”. I knew of Prabal Gurung’s stunning designs prior, but reading his story gave me a much deeper appreciation for the man behind the label.
What struck me most was how deeply I related to his experience of growing up as an effeminate, queer child: feeling out of place among boys, never quite fitting into the mold that others expected. Like Prabal, I often found comfort and kinship in the company of women, and it was incredibly validating to see those feelings reflected in his story. His honest exploration of identity, shame, and self-acceptance made me feel seen in ways I didn’t expect.
Prabal’s journey, from his youth in Nepal and boarding school in India, to navigating racism, bullying, and loneliness was heartbreaking, yet deeply inspiring. His resilience and vulnerability shine through every page. The love he shares for his mother, Durga Rana, who gave him the strength to be unapologetically himself, is one of the most beautiful threads of the book.
His path into fashion, inspired by Vogue and the dream of New York City, echoed my own beginnings in the industry. My first job in fashion taught me so much - about the work, but also about myself. I felt that parallel with Prabal's story deeply.
You don’t need to be into fashion to appreciate this memoir.
“Walk Like a Girl” is a bold, tender, and empowering story of what it means to embrace who you are. I highly, highly recommend it.
What struck me most was how deeply I related to his experience of growing up as an effeminate, queer child: feeling out of place among boys, never quite fitting into the mold that others expected. Like Prabal, I often found comfort and kinship in the company of women, and it was incredibly validating to see those feelings reflected in his story. His honest exploration of identity, shame, and self-acceptance made me feel seen in ways I didn’t expect.
Prabal’s journey, from his youth in Nepal and boarding school in India, to navigating racism, bullying, and loneliness was heartbreaking, yet deeply inspiring. His resilience and vulnerability shine through every page. The love he shares for his mother, Durga Rana, who gave him the strength to be unapologetically himself, is one of the most beautiful threads of the book.
His path into fashion, inspired by Vogue and the dream of New York City, echoed my own beginnings in the industry. My first job in fashion taught me so much - about the work, but also about myself. I felt that parallel with Prabal's story deeply.
You don’t need to be into fashion to appreciate this memoir.
“Walk Like a Girl” is a bold, tender, and empowering story of what it means to embrace who you are. I highly, highly recommend it.
July 17, 2025
I think this might be the best book I've read this year.
I had no expectations going into reading this book. I bought it because I wasn't sure what to get with my Book of the Month subscription, and this seemed mildly interesting, especially considering it's a memoir by someone of South Asian descent.
Prior to reading this book, I was only mildly aware of who Prabal Gurung was; I knew that he had dressed Kamala, and that he was part of the MET Gala. Other than those fundamental details, I was blind to the rest of Gurung's personhood.
My expectations were exceeded. This book offers a genuine insight into the challenges of being a South Asian queer creator/artist in a traditionally conservative field. Gurung does not mince his words or experiences; he describes them as both traumatic and beautiful as they were. I have a genuine appreciation for that because it is real insight into both the successes and challenges he has faced throughout his life.
He is truly a trailblazer, not only in fashion but also in philanthropy and business.
I do not want to say more about his journey out of fear that it will spoil the book for you. However, I believe it is a must-read for anyone feeling a little lost about what their path in life will look like.
I had no expectations going into reading this book. I bought it because I wasn't sure what to get with my Book of the Month subscription, and this seemed mildly interesting, especially considering it's a memoir by someone of South Asian descent.
Prior to reading this book, I was only mildly aware of who Prabal Gurung was; I knew that he had dressed Kamala, and that he was part of the MET Gala. Other than those fundamental details, I was blind to the rest of Gurung's personhood.
My expectations were exceeded. This book offers a genuine insight into the challenges of being a South Asian queer creator/artist in a traditionally conservative field. Gurung does not mince his words or experiences; he describes them as both traumatic and beautiful as they were. I have a genuine appreciation for that because it is real insight into both the successes and challenges he has faced throughout his life.
He is truly a trailblazer, not only in fashion but also in philanthropy and business.
I do not want to say more about his journey out of fear that it will spoil the book for you. However, I believe it is a must-read for anyone feeling a little lost about what their path in life will look like.
July 1, 2025
Inspiring memoir of a fashion icon who shattered the whites only fashion presentations and overcame many prejudices and financial obstacles. He credits any positive things he's done to his exceptional mother who backed him and encouraged him every step of the way from Nepal to India to NYC. Here is one who endured coming out again and again and demolished the color barrier erected against South Asians. He reminded us that couture is stronger in color, indeed, everything is better in color. You can't help but be moved by this recounting of a truly authentic life.
I can only apologize to him and all those who came before for what has been inflicted on the American Dream.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from PENGUIN GROUP Viking Penguin | Viking via NetGalley.
#RopeBook by @timqueeney @StMartinsPress #NetGalley @iconbooks #bookbub #goodreads #storygraph #librarything @barnesandnoble @waterstones @kobobooks @booksamillion
#WalkLikeaGirl by @prabalgurung @penguinrandomhouse #NetGalley @vikingbooks
#Nonfiction #caste #Memoir #Biography #FashionDesign #Queer #Autobiography #LGBT #bullies #dv #toxicmasculinity #bodyshaming #negativeisms #diversity
I can only apologize to him and all those who came before for what has been inflicted on the American Dream.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from PENGUIN GROUP Viking Penguin | Viking via NetGalley.
#RopeBook by @timqueeney @StMartinsPress #NetGalley @iconbooks #bookbub #goodreads #storygraph #librarything @barnesandnoble @waterstones @kobobooks @booksamillion
#WalkLikeaGirl by @prabalgurung @penguinrandomhouse #NetGalley @vikingbooks
#Nonfiction #caste #Memoir #Biography #FashionDesign #Queer #Autobiography #LGBT #bullies #dv #toxicmasculinity #bodyshaming #negativeisms #diversity
December 1, 2025
I honestly devoured this and felt so many emotions alongside Prabal as he tells his story. I’m sure it’s also because I’m Nepali and have grown up being in awe of Prabal since I was young, but this truly is an incredible memoir. So much effort and details put in, down to including so many of the names of people important to him and thoroughly explaining what they mean to him. I pray I get to meet you one day, Prabal Dai! I have so many follow up questions for you. On so many occasions, the world was not kind to you. But you kept going and not only that, but from the beginning used your voice proudly and continue to. It’s always talked about but actually executing that isn’t common or easy. The foundation of the book is also his mother, Durga Rana, and Prabal’s beautiful relationship with her. That was so special to read and to see how fervently he respects, admires, and truly sees her. I could go on! Loved this one.
July 23, 2025
I don’t know what to say about this memoir other than it has connected to me in a way that I didn’t expect. I went into it blind and worried I wouldn’t be able to get into it because I know nothing of the fashion world. In the end I found that I could understand and even relate to some of the experiences lived by Prabal. It healed something in me to read how he kept pushing forward even after so many walls were put on his way. Nobody deserves to go through what he and his family did. Gosh, the love of his mom! Her resilience and support for her son is something many parents should a strive for…
August 12, 2025
What a beautiful, remarkable, inspiring memoir. Gurung brings his life experiences to clear and present day with his superb writing, poignant memories, and determination to stay focused and succeed.
Hearing how his mom has been a guiding light and supportive presence for him at every point in his life, as well as his siblings who stood up for, and cared about, him at every chapter of life brings a smile to the reader, even after learning of the racist and homophobic experience that Gurung suffered through.
An eye opening journey into the life of a fashion icon, and one who uses his platform for good while bringing his artistry and skills to life.
Hearing how his mom has been a guiding light and supportive presence for him at every point in his life, as well as his siblings who stood up for, and cared about, him at every chapter of life brings a smile to the reader, even after learning of the racist and homophobic experience that Gurung suffered through.
An eye opening journey into the life of a fashion icon, and one who uses his platform for good while bringing his artistry and skills to life.
July 2, 2025
A riveting memoir, definitely up in the top five of Julie's reads; a top designer born in Nepal to traditional parents observes at an early age that he loves womens' clothes and playing with paper dolls and then, dressing up. This lead to a hatred from his father but his mom was patient and loving.
His suffering throughout childhood and adolescence was tear jerking, his feminine behaviors prompted peers to taunt, tease, abuse and even worse. He becomes a Parson's student and it all slowly, albeit, slowly comes together for him....
His suffering throughout childhood and adolescence was tear jerking, his feminine behaviors prompted peers to taunt, tease, abuse and even worse. He becomes a Parson's student and it all slowly, albeit, slowly comes together for him....
July 23, 2025
I usually hate memoirs but this was really good and just felt authentic and his own voice not a giant puff piece . He is just so inspiring and awesome and just cool af . The whole I refuse to be silent and stand up for what I believe in and reflects in his art so much . I loved that he did a collab line with lane Bryant but why not include sizes above a 12 in your ready to wear collection ? The way we address and confront fat phobia is to be the change we wanna see
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May 21, 2025I am very interested in his story, and have enjoyed his memoir thus far… just decided I need to put it down for now, and maybe pick it back up at a later time. I keep getting distracted by other things, so I need a book that I can’t put down to get me back in my reading groove. So I’m about to read a couple of books that are challenged here on this yearly Goodreads Reading Challenge.
July 17, 2025
An incredible memoir that emotionally had me in tears several times. Prabal has had so many things happen to him throughout his life (some were so harrowing to read about), but he continues to persevere with his art. The way he talks about fashion and women was so beautiful and inspiring. You can tell that Prabal Gurung possesses a truly beautiful soul.
May 28, 2025
I read this book in two days so I obviously liked it. I was let into the authors world in a way that was refreshing. To make a name for yourself without forgetting where you came from, and staying true to who you are… that’s refreshing. The author’s actions speak loudly.
May 29, 2025
Good read.
Walk Like a Girl by Prabal Gurung is a moving, honest, and inspiring memoir. It’s about identity, ambition, resilience, and the power of staying true to yourself. Highly recommend—even if you’re not “into fashion,” this book is very much about life.
Walk Like a Girl by Prabal Gurung is a moving, honest, and inspiring memoir. It’s about identity, ambition, resilience, and the power of staying true to yourself. Highly recommend—even if you’re not “into fashion,” this book is very much about life.
July 8, 2025
Not sure what compelled me to read this book, but I found it quite interesting. I had heard his name, most famously for dressing Michelle Obama, but that was about it. I’ll definitely be looking up his collections.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews