N.Y. Fashion Week: Prabal Gurung inspired by his homeland Nepal

It was a homecoming of sorts for designer Prabal Gurung, who drew inspiration from his homeland of Nepal for his fall 2014 collection, presented Saturday during New York Fashion Week.

Specifically, he was inspired by the remote Mustang region, where aspects of the local culture have remained unchanged since the 15th century. He set up the theme by installing a series of dramatic-looking gongs on the runway, which strangely never rang.

The look: A juxtaposition of old and new, the kind of draping associated with a monk’s robes, fused with modern tailoring and dressmaking. A maximalist’s approach to details, mixing embroidery, paint streaks, tulle details and more on a single, draped piece that also had an asymmetrical hem.

Key pieces: Asymmetrical, draped chiffon skirts with satin details. Colorful melange knit sweaters. Tailored jackets with draped satin woven through. Cozy opera coats. Draped chiffon finale gowns.

The verdict: Intricate to a fault. It was difficult to figure out how a woman would begin to put on some of the draped jackets and dresses, sliced with cut-outs and trailing scarf-like satin panels, let along wear them. Sometimes, it feels like Gurung is trying too hard to show off his skill. He could benefit from a lighter touch.

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