This Designer Used the NYFW Runway to Make a Huge Statement About Inclusion

Last night Prabal Gurung decided to use the New York Fashion Week runway to make a huge statement. The Nepalese-American designer ended his show by having his models wear T-shirts-each emblazoned with bold political slogans. "Revolution has no borders," "I am an immigrant," and "Nevertheless, she persisted," were a few of many.

Before wrapping up, Gurung himself walked out in a tee of his own. "This is what feminism looks like," it read.

Prabal Gurung via Getty

When asked by The Hollywood Reporter what prompted him to take the pro-women stance, he explained, "...having come from where I come from-from Nepal and a single mother who brought us up-it's been my thing since day one."

"So to me feminism is not just a trending topic," he said. "It's the only way I've known, even before I knew what [feminism] was."

Though the designer received some backlash when he shared a picture of one of the 'The Future Is Female' tees to Instagram before the show, he decided to push forward anyway, continuing to spread the message he so strongly believes in. (It helped to have A-list celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker, Priyanka Chopra, and Diane Krueger cheering enthusiastically in the front row.)

Gurung also used his show as an opportunity to include models representing a more diverse range of shapes, including plus-size models Candice Huffine and Marquita Pring. (Related: Candice Huffine Proves Every Body Is a Runner's Body)

Candice Huffine via Getty

Thanks to body-positive models like Ashley Graham and Iskra Lawrence, plus-size models have certainly been gaining notoriety, but there's no denying that the industry still has a long way to go. That said, for a reputable designer like Gurung to practice body diversity at a platform like New York Fashion Week is definitely a step in the right direction. Here's hoping we catch a glimpse of more empowering moments like this throughout the week.