Prabal Gurung and Phillip Lim join forces for Disney+’s ‘American Born Chinese’

Award-winning author Gene Luen Yang (“Shang-Chi”) is bringing his famed graphic novel “American Born Chinese” to life on Disney+, and top designers Prabal Gurung and Phillip Lim have signed on in collaboration. In a first-time partnership, the pair will create ensembles for characters from Chinese mythology and classic literature. The culturally significant character costumes will be featured on “American Born Chinese” stars Michelle Yeoh and Daniel Wu.

“Prabal and Phillip are both incredibly talented artists who have made their mark in the fashion world, and we are delighted and honored that they were willing to join our creative team at ‘American Born Chinese,'” executive producer Melvin Mar said in a statement. “We are very proud of this unique series and its thoughtful portrayal of the Chinese-American experience,” he added, “and we continue to seek partnerships with prolific Asian-American talent both in front of and behind the camera.”

Prabal Gurung

Prabal Gurung was born in Singapore and grew up in Kathmandu, Nepal. He began his career in design in New Delhi, then moved to New York, where he attended Parsons The New School for Design. Gurung later spent two years with Cynthia Rowley’s design and production teams. He then became design director at Bill Blass. After five years, he launched his collection, PRABAL GURUNG. With numerous accolades under his belt, his designs have been worn by First Lady Michelle Obama and The Duchess of Cambridge. In addition, Gurung has a roster of incredible collaborations on his list of achievements. 

Phillip Lim

Phillip Lim was born to Chinese parents who immigrated to Southern California, where his mother became a seamstress, and his father a professional poker player. Lim studied at California State University Long Beach before landing an internship with Katayone Adeli, which led to a position on her design team. Lim eventually co-founded his first label, Development. Four years later, Lim moved to New York to launch 3.1 Phillip Lim with his business partner and friend, Wen Zhou. Lim is regarded as one of the most talented and successful American designers and has received several prestigious industry honors. 

The story behind “American Born Chinese” follows teenager Jin Wang. Wang, like every other average teenager, is simply trying to balance his social life with his home life. But, after he meets a new foreign exchange student, he becomes entwined in a battle of Chinese mythological gods, and his world gets a whole lot bigger. The action-comedy takes a deep dive into identity, culture, and family. The series is now in production in Los Angeles.

“American Born Chinese” stars Michelle Yeoh [Guanyin], Ben Wang [Jin Wang], Yeo Yann Yann [Christine Wang], Chin Han [Simon Wang], Daniel Wu [Sun Wukong], Ke Huy Quan [Freddy Wong], Jim Liu [Wei-Chen], and Sydney Taylor [Amelia]. 

Emmy Award-winner Kelvin Yu (“Bob’s Burgers,” “Central Park”) serves as executive producer and showrunner. Destin Daniel Cretton (Marvel’s “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” “Short Term 12”) will direct and executive produce, alongside Melvin Mar and Jake Kasdan (both of “Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.” for Disney+, “Fresh Off the Boat,” as well as “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” and “Jumanji: The Next Level” feature films), Erin O’Malley (“Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.”), Asher Goldstein (“Short Term 12,” “Just Mercy”) and Gene Luen Yang. 

“American Born Chinese” is a Disney Branded Television show produced by 20th Television.