Gabriella Armesto Fashion Design
I am a fashion design professional and graduate of the University of Delaware with a double minor in Sustainable Textile and Apparel and Functional Wearable Design.
I interned with Live and Breathe Active in Sydney, where I did print and design work across a full range of styles. I also spent time at Paris Fashion Week working backstage and in showroom fittings for a few major designers. I’ve grown the most, though, through pouring my passion into personal design projects, applying the technical skills I’ve learned in the classroom and the workplace into visions that are truly my own.
I have always been drawn to the character and charm of vintage fashion. There is something truly magical about the history and craftsmanship behind each piece. An integral part of my fashion journey has been my years of carefully curating vintage pieces for my successful ecommerce business.
Q & A with the Designer
- How do you define fashion?
- Fashion is the ultimate form of self expression. You can place emotions outwardly on your body. It creates a physical space for love and connection where unique stories are able to be told. Fashion allows me to actualize my thoughts and gives me the opportunity to shape the world around me through my vision. It has become a part of me.
- What inspires your designs?
- My inspiration comes from the world around me, allowing for endless possibilities. It varies, but the inspiration process always begins with something that resonates deeply. The story I want to tell in my work already exists before I begin a single sketch. It ultimately reflects my own journey and emotions in a way that feels personal.
- What is your creative process like?
- My creative process constantly evolves, as I always have designs floating around in my head. The endless possibilities of how a garment can be shaped often feels very overwhelming. Which is why I typically start by creating a mood board to make my abstract vision more tangible. This allows me to pull together my inspiration, textures, and colors. I then establish who my customer is, what they need, and how my designs can truly connect with them. I always keep an eye on the market to make sure my visions align with current trends while still feeling authentic to me. The production process can vary but these steps are essential to establishing the targeted vibe.
- What does success look like to you?
- Success, to me, is the ability to continually create and innovate throughout my life, staying true to my vision and making work that resonates with others. It’s about maintaining my passion for design and connecting with people through my work, ensuring a lasting and meaningful impact.
- Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
- In 10 years, I see myself working in a space that truly aligns with my values, particularly around sustainability and making a positive impact in the world. Whether I’m collaborating with a brand that shares these ethics or running my own, I want to be creating work that continues to push boundaries while staying mindful of our planet and the people around us. My goal is to build something that not only resonates with others, bringing joy and self expression, but also contributes to a more sustainable and thoughtful future.