• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2025 ABC News
  • Style

'This virus knows no race, gender, age, or sexual orientation': designer Prabal Gurung on the coronavirus

13:54
All the celebs and public figures who’ve said they’ve tested positive for COVID-19
Shannon Finney/Getty Images, FILE
ByJacqueline Laurean Yates
Video byFaith Bernstein
March 23, 2020, 7:39 PM

Prabal Gurung, a Nepalese-American fashion designer, is speaking out regarding the novel coronavirus outbreak with powerful words that many are (virtually) applauding him for.

On Monday, the company posted a statement on Instagram advising followers that the Prabal Gurung team has been working tirelessly over the course of the last week to finalize an actionable plan to manufacture personal protective equipment for medical workers and first responders who are on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis.

"As a brand that produces over 90% of our collections in NY, our goal is not only to fill the void of critical PPE, but to mobilize our domestic partners, revitalizing US producers and suppliers," the company wrote in a statement.

The statement continued, "We are currently working in partnership with Governor Cuomo's office and local hospitals to secure clearance to produce, and ensure the viability of our output."

In addition to Gurung's team gearing up to create more PPE, the designer posted an earlier post on which he's taking a stance against coronavirus-related racism.

"Asians around the world have become a target of racism and xenophobia in the wake of the Coronavirus - and hatred and violence are only encouraged when people in positions of power propagate racist messaging, rather than offering solutions," he wrote in an Instagram post.

Editor’s Picks

'Project Runway' judge and his staff to design medical grade masks and gloves

  • Mar 23, 2020

Milk Makeup, Gap Inc., Zara, and more brands giving back to coronavirus relief

  • Apr 10, 2020

Gov. Cuomo in touch with Christian Siriano to sew masks amid COVID-19 crisis

  • Mar 20, 2020

He continued, "This virus knows no race, gender, age, or sexual orientation. In order to emerge from this global pandemic stronger than ever, let's champion hope and compassion."

Related Articles

(MORE: 'Project Runway' judge and his staff to design medical grade masks and gloves)

Gurung concluded his caption by empowering everyone to unify in supporting the Asian community, and to "be kind, wash your hands, stay inside . . . remember to spread light and love."

Related Articles

(MORE: Zara, Christian Siriano, L'Oréal and more switch up facilities to help stop spread of <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/alerts/coronavirus" id="_ap_link_coronavirus_Coronavirus_" target="_blank">coronavirus</a>)

The New York Fashion Week favorite has gained the attention of many, gaining over 14,000 likes with many people cheering on his powerful call to action to stop coronavirus-related racism.

In the photo featured along with the designer's post, he is seen wearing a black "Phenomenally Asian" T-shirt from Phenomenal Women, an organization that brings awareness to social causes. Their latest launch donates all net proceeds to benefit the National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum.

"From people feeding into racist tropes on Instagram to the leader of this country, President Trump, dubbing this 'the Chinese virus' — I am disheartened to see these instances of fear and ignorance winning over compassion," Gurung said in a post for Vogue.

"So what will we do to make an impact in this life, and what will we leave behind?" he continued. "This is a pivotal moment for introspection. I urge the industry, and everyone, to think about what they want their legacy to be, and how can we help each other get there."

Gurung goes on to further express how he is finding ways to assure his own company continues to be socially responsible while also brainstorming ways to be considerate of the mental health of those in the industry.

In February, another New York Fashion Week favorite designer, Phillip Lim, also spoke out on racism being faced by Asian communities amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

"The coronavirus is not a foreign threat, but a human one," Lim wrote in an Instagram post.

"We will not be a witness to abuse," he continued. "We will continue to stay vocal and support marginalized communities and businesses, we will be an ally in the face of hostility and abhorrence, and we will be relentless in our fight for humanity."

Editor’s Picks

'Project Runway' judge and his staff to design medical grade masks and gloves

  • Mar 23, 2020

Milk Makeup, Gap Inc., Zara, and more brands giving back to coronavirus relief

  • Apr 10, 2020

Gov. Cuomo in touch with Christian Siriano to sew masks amid COVID-19 crisis

  • Mar 20, 2020

Up Next in Style—

Going loco for Labubu: Why adults can't stop buying the collectible plush toy

July 4, 2025

Lululemon sues Costco for allegedly selling dupes of its popular products

July 1, 2025

Princess Diana's 'caring' dress sells for over $500K at auction

June 27, 2025

Anna Wintour announces Vogue US is searching for new head of editorial content

June 26, 2025

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2025 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2025 ABC News