Prabal Gurung is as passionate as they come.
The designer is being honored at the 29th annual Footwear News Achievement Awards next month with the Icon Award for Social Impact, in recognition of his outstanding humanitarian efforts.
“My job as a designer is to create a beautiful wardrobe that inspires,” he told FN during a recent interview at his New York showroom. “My job as a person is to make sure all the attention I’m getting for my work does not stay within these walls. It needs to go somewhere else.”
To date, his earthquake fund has raised upwards of $1 million for the country. It has contributed to the construction of more than 500 shelters, an upcoming clinic and new art therapy programs to help people cope in the aftermath of trauma.
Watch on FN
“My family was there. I needed to do something. I reached out to my friends from Hollywood to Bollywood and everyone came around to raise money,” said the designer. “It was one of the most emotional and trying times I’ve been through.”
Now in its 29th year, the FN Achievement Awards have recognized the biggest talents in the shoe business, including Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik, Stuart Weitzman and Pierre Hardy, as well as powerhouse brands like Nike, Under Armour and Prada.
Previous recipients of FN’s philanthropic award have included Kenneth Cole, Toms founder Blake Mycoskie and BBC International CEO Bob Campbell.
To see highlights from past FNAA award ceremonies, click here:
Want More?
FN Achievement Award Winners 2015: All The Winners
FN Crowns Kanye West ‘King of Shoes’ For Yeezy Boost
The Most Memorable Moments From the FN Achievement Awards Over the Years
