The Heart of a New Master, Fashion Designer Danilo Gabrielli

Elegantly classic with an edge, that is how I would describe fashion designer Danilo Gabrielli‘s clothing. His quest for detail and craftsmanship gives each piece character and timeless wear-ability. For spring/summer 2012 Mr. Gabrielli début his first American collection at Nolcha Fashion Week in New York City to great reviews. And for this Italian born designer, it was the first hurdle to a lifelong dream.

 

Born in Porto Santo Stefano located in the municipality of Monte Argentario, in the Province of Grosseto, the Tuscany region of Italy, Danilo’s passion and love of fashion really came from his mother and by watching old Hollywood films, and for his first collection it’s no surprise he drew his inspiration from one of Hollywood’s sexist and iconic screen legends, Miss Brigitte Bardot. Each piece in his collection is beautifully constructed with ingenuity and attention to detail. His silhouettes are clean and simple, yet ooze an undefined sex appeal and elegance reminiscent of the screen legend. Danilo only uses the best fabrics, from Swiss white cotton eyelet to double face silk organza to laser cut waxed embroidery trimmed in leather, and though his collection is small, there is a variety of dressy looks from day into evening for both men and women.

When I first meet with Mr. Gabrielli, I was pleasingly surprise to see how humbled, excited, and passionate he is to create his first clothing line under his name. One can easily see the time, dedication, and hard work it took to be in the position he is today. But do not take this designer for granted. Although this is his first collection, Danilo is highly skilled and accomplished. Before coming to New York, he served three years in the Italian Navy to save up enough money to go to one of the most influential fashion schools in Rome (The Accadamia Pistoiese). During this time he found great success in the Italian fashion market as a costume designer, and up on his graduation he made the decision to come to New York City. Once in New York, he quickly found success as an accessory designer for Geoffrey Beene, and eventually become a senior designer for many esteemed labels such as Tommy Hilfiger and Simply Vera Wang. Now with his label in place, the sky is the limit.