Archive · 26 Jan 2026
Prabal Gurung on Memoir 'Walk Like a Girl'
Prabal Gurung is a fashion designer who wrote a book called 'Walk Like a Girl'.
The title comes from a phrase people used to say to him when he was younger to make him feel weak.
But Prabal thinks that being feminine or showing emotions is actually a sign of strength.
He grew up surrounded by strong women and goddesses from stories, which taught him that being vulnerable is powerful.
In his book, he talks about difficult things like abuse and body image, but he says it's important to acknowledge pain without letting it define you.
He believes that how you present yourself in the world can be a form of revolution, and for him, that means embracing his feminine side.
Prabal Gurung's memoir 'Walk Like a Girl' reclaimed a phrase used to belittle him as a sign of strength.
Gurung grew up in Nepal and India, surrounded by strong female influences and goddesses like Durga.
He believes that vulnerability and emotional openness are sources of power in a world dominated by 'brute force' masculinity.
The memoir discusses themes of abuse, sexual assault, body image, and marginalisation from a place of stability.
Gurung shared his views during the Kolkata Literary Meet, emphasizing that acknowledging pain without being defined by it is crucial.
- Who
- Prabal Gurung, a fashion designer and author
- What
- Explanation of the title and themes of his memoir 'Walk Like a Girl'
- When
- During the Kolkata Literary Meet on Day 4
- Where
- Kolkata, India
- Why
- To reclaim a phrase used to belittle him and to embrace vulnerability as strength
- Author
- Prabal Gurung
- Memoir Title
- Walk Like a Girl
- Event
- Kolkata Literary Meet
- Upbringing
- Nepal and India
- Inspiration
- Feminine strength and vulnerability
- Key Themes
- Abuse, sexual assault, body image, marginalisation