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Fashion designer Prabal Gurung has made a bold statement on the runway at New York Fashion Week , dressing his models in sashes which read: "Who gets to be American?" for his catwalk finale.
The Nepalese-American designer, who moved to New York City when he was 20 years old, explained the inspiration behind his spring/summer 2020 collection in a press statement .
Gurung wrote that the question of who gets to define themselves as an American "permeates the air of today's national discussion", and is one that is "deeply personal" to him.
"To me, this country has always been a beacon of hope where one's wildest ambitions can come true, a melting pot that is so colourful, multicultural, and beautiful," he said.
"In the last few years, incited by the divisive rhetoric of our current administration, I've considered the many faces of America and how we should seek to redefine it."
Models walk the runway for Prabal Gurung during New York Fashion Week: The Shows at Gallery I at Spring Studios on 8 September 2019 (Getty Images) The 40-year-old explained that while his roots lie with his family in Nepal, he regards America as his home, stating: "America is where my heart is."
"I am an American. As immigrants continue to birth this 'new America', we must remember all versions of our history and take ownership of our past while forging a new legacy," Gurung stated.
The fashion designer added that the aim of his latest collection, which marks the 10th anniversary of his brand, is "to celebrate hope, courage, and present an ode to the true American dream".
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019Show all 53 1 /53Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Cyndi Lauper The Girls Just Wanna Have Fun singer was pictured at the Libertine show wearing a white tailored suit covered in a mishmash of motifs.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Paris Hilton The heiress wore a sprightly yellow shirt dress covered in colourful vases and bottles. Hilton was sat in the front row of the Libertine show alongside Lauper.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Zendaya and H.E.R The Euphoria actor posed alongside musician H.E.R as they waited for the Vera Wang show to begin. Zendaya wore a mesh corset top while H.E.R chose a monochrome look accessorised with white sunglasses.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Suki Waterhouse and Emily Ratajkowski The modelling duo wore similar sleeveless ensembles as they sat together in the front row at Proenza Schouler. Waterhouse's featured flashes of green and mustard while Ratajkowski's dress had bold sashes of tangerine.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Paris Hilton The American heiress and DJ attended Rihanna's Savage x Fenty show in a dusty blue ruffle mini dress that featured cut-outs at the side.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Halsey The Sorry singer posed on the red carpet prior to performing at Rihanna's Savage X Fenty show wearing a silk burgundy co-ord and stilettos.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Gigi Hadid The American model opted for a simple black corset and pale jeans look for the Rihanna Savage x Fenty show. Hadid spritzed up the casual ensemble with a pair of sparkly pointed high heels.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Bella Hadid The model proudly showed off her black lace bralet for the Rihanna Savage x Fenty show, wearing just a loose-fitting emerald green suit over the top.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Slick Woods The model made a colourful appearance ahead of the Rihanna Savage x Fenty show in this fluorescent green unitard, which she paired with lace gloves and red fluffy heels.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Miley Cyrus The singer made a rare appearance at Fashion Week by turning up for Tom Ford's show wearing head-to-toe black. Cyrus paired her fluffy wide-brimmed hat with an ankle-grazing coat, silk cigarette trousers and a low-cut shirt.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Joan Smalls The model's crimson ensemble matched the walls of the venue for Tom Ford's show. Smalls wore satin trousers whose bright hue was matched by a velvet blazer and peep-toe high heels.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Amber Valletta The model and actor was photographed at the Tom Ford show in a double-breasted black suit that featured pale pink lapels.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Anna Wintour The American Vogue editor wore a blue floral gown that featured intricate black and silver patterns. Of course, Wintour also wore her signature dark shades.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Karlie Kloss The American model an entrepreneur posed ahead of the Carolina Hererra show, for which she wore a fiery orange one-shoulder gown accessorised with a black tie-up belt.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Brittany Snow The American actor was photographed prior to taking her seat at the Jonathan Simkhai show wearing a double breasted checked blazer of a forest green lace dress.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Devon Windsor The model attended the Jonathan Simkhai show wearing a vibrant tangerine gown featuring draped detail and a thigh-high slit.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Karen Elson and Edward Enninful The model posed alongside British Vogue editor wearing a purple and scarlet gown while Enninful opted for a simple tailored look.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Adriana Lima The Victoria's Secret model was spotted at the Jason Wu Collection show wearing a slim-fitting scarlet gown with a pair of matching strappy stilettos and a black clutch.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Lucy Hale The American actor was pictured at the Jason Wu show in a sheer polka dot mini dress complete with a ruffled skirt and Victorian era-inspired sleeves.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Olivia Palermo The fashion influencer and former reality TV star posed for photographers before taking her seat at the Jason Wu show wearing a black and white checked shirt dress.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Linda Cardellini The Green Book star sat in the front row for the Jason Wu Collection show on Saturday wearing a black frock with a bardot neckline.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Bella and Gigi Hadid The model sisters posed together before walking the runway for the Tommy Hilfiger show on Saturday. Both women wore gunmetal grey outfits.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Gigi Hadid and Irina Shayk The two models sat next to each other on the front row at Jeremy Scott’s runway show. While Hadid opted for a pair of logo-heavy denim dungarees and a matching bucket hat, Shayk wore a black tuxedo mini dress.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Kendall Jenner, Jean Cassegrain, Lila Moss, Kate Moss, and Julianne Moore Longchamp's front row was a star-studded affair with Kendall Jenner, Lila Moss, Kate Moss and Julianne Moore sitting alongside Jean Cassegrain, the brand's CEO.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Ashley Graham Model Ashley Graham proudly showed off her baby bump at the Christian Siriano show wearing a black-and-white polka dot dress.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Katie Holmes The actor sat on the front row at the Elie Tahari show during New York Fashion Week wearing an ensemble created by the designer. The Batman Begins star combined a pair of black jeans with a denim shirt, a white cardigan and black, pointed boots.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Zendaya The Euphoria star showcased pieces from her collection with Tommy Hilfiger, taking inspiration from the 1970s with a matching burgundy power suit and flat cap.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Sarah Michelle Gellar, Lucy Liu and Alicia Silverstone While actors Sarah Michelle Gellar and Lucy Liu kept things classic in all-black ensembles, Alicia Silverstone stood out from the crowd wearing a lilac-coloured gown.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Emma Roberts and Katherine Schwarzenegger Emma Roberts and Katherine Schwarzenegger both opted for patterned ensembles as they sat front row at Kate Spade. While Roberts opted for a monochrome shift dress and matching handbag, Schwarzenegger chose a colourful knitted co-ord.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Jameela Jamil Activist and presenter Jameela Jamil attended the Jeremy Scott show wearing a red brocade two-piece suit designed by Preen by Thornton Bregazzi. Jamil accessorised the looks with black pointed heels, a swipe of pink lipstick and a bright yellow manicure.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Lily Aldridge Supermodel Lily Aldridge attended the Brandon Maxwell show wearing a black satin midi-dress with a waist belt and open-toe heels.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Yara Shahidi Actor and activist Shahidi brought a splash of colour to The Daily Front Row Fashion Media Awards in a vibrant pink, green and blue 1960s-esque dress by Prada.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Sandra Shehab The former America's Next Top Model contestant attended the front row of Victoria Hayes' New York Fashion Week show wearing a pink, purple and orange patterned jumpsuit with an orange-yellow long-sleeved polo neck top and a pair of burnt orange ankle boots.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Heidi Klum The supermodel attended the Jeremy Scott show wearing for a black-and-white two-piece consisting of a satin overcoat and sheer dress with a feathered hem. Klum completed the look with a pair of white stiletto heels.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Kate Moss Moss displays her modelling chops at the Fashion Media Awards wearing a black sheer floor-length dress for the ceremony, where she received the 'Style Icon' award.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Saweetie and Nicole Sherzinger The US rapper and former Pussycat Doll twinned in matching black-and-red ensembles at Jeremy Scott’s show. While Saweetie opted for a red Moschino dress, leather choker and bat-shaped bag, Sherzinger wore a black tailored suit that was cinched at the waist with an oversized red satin belt.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Halima Aden The model wore a summery design by New Zealand-born fashion designer Emilia Wickstead at the E!, ELLE, and IMG New York Fashion Week kick-off party.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Danielle Macdonald Dumplin' star Danielle Macdonald opted for a floral two-piece suit as she sat front row at Kate Spade's show.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Nikita Dragun YouTuber Nikita Dragun attended the Chromat show wearing a black-and-white houndstooth catsuit. She accessorised the look with knee-high boots and hoop earrings.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Miss J. Alexander The America's Next Top Model coach opted for a casual yet stylish look, wearing a pair of baggy, suede-looking trousers, a black, V-neck top, a dark grey cardigan and silver shoes.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Chanel Iman The former Victoria's Secret model demonstrated how to conquer maternity fashion in a blue, Elie Tahari knee-length dress and black boots.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Meghan Trainor Singer Meghan Trainor attended the Christian Siriano show wearing a puff-sleeve top and matching skirt layered over white tailored trousers.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Delilah Belle Hamlin Hamlin went for a baggy look on the front row of Elie Tahari's fashion show, wearing a loose-fitting pair of Ellie Tahari jeans, a white blazer and a pair of tan heels.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Halima Aden The model wore a dramatic, black ensemble as she is photographed at The Daily Front Row's seventh annual Fashion Media Awards, where she received the accolade for 'Breakthrough Model'.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Joey Bada$$ American rapper Joey Bada$$ wore a red denim co-ord as he sat front row at the Helmut Lang show. He finished the look with a black cap and matching sunglasses.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Emily Ratajkowski The model and actor wore a black short and crop top ensemble by Maison Alaïa for The Daily Front Row Fashion Media Awards, where she was awarded the accolade for 'Fashion Entrepreneur'.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Jasmine Sanders Sports Illustrated model Jasmine Sanders sat front row at Jeremy Scott wearing a gold three-piece that consisted of a leather-look bralet, mini skirt and jacket. Each piece was finished with a succession of crystals.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Jonathan Cheban Reality TV star Jonathan Cheban attended the Jeremy Scott show wearing a riot vest designed by vintage jacket label Dust of Gods. Cheban paired the top with black denim jeans, patent boots and a checked shirt tied around his waist.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Indya Moore Moore looked every inch a star in an Oscar de la Renta gown and Beads Byaree earrings at The Daily Front Row Fashion Media Awards, where the Pose actor accepted the award for 'Cover of the Year' alongside Nina Garcia for their appearance in Elle magazine.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Romee Strijd The Dutch model stunned in a gold mini dress at the Fashion Media Awards, wearing a pair of matching gold, pointed heels.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Jamie Chung The Once Upon a Time actor wore a patterned Ellie Tahari co-ord to the designer's runway show.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Offset US rapper Offset sat on the front row at Jeremy Scott’s show wearing an all-black ensemble consisting of a T-shirt, trousers and bomber jacket. The look was finished with matching trainers, a gold buckle belt and layers of silver necklaces.
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Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Maye Musk The model wore a striking, royal blue power suit by Valery Kovalska, complete with a white belt and black headpiece.
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Gurung's collection featured a variety of nods towards classic American sartorial style, including raw denim cargo bottoms and embroidered roses, the official flower of the United States.
The fashion designer added that 90 per cent of the range was manufactured in New York City – "a show of artisanal couture celebrating our nation's craftsmanship".
Gurung hinted on social media at the inspiration behind his collection's name, sharing a Time magazine cover from December 2018 , which featured a multicultural group of people on the cover and the headline: "Who gets to be American?".
Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events The creative received praised regarding the thought process which went into his New York Fashion Week-debuted spring/summer 2020 collection.
"From one immigrant to another... kudos," one person commented on Instagram.
"You're an artist. Always inspired by you," another remarked.
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