NOLCHA is filled with wonderful, upcoming fashion designers every year. I feel like too many of these designers go unnoticed far longer than they should and that NOLCHA is doing a wonderful job to help get the word out about independent designers and their clothing lines by introducing them to the world. Therefore, I’d like to introduce you all to Danilo Gabrielli, fashion designer and owner of the gorgeous clothing line Danilo Gabrielli. I recently had the priviledge of interviewing Danilo and wanted to share our conversation with you!

While Danilo is a fabulous designer, he also has a ... Read More »]]>

NOLCHA is filled with wonderful, upcoming fashion designers every year. I feel like too many of these designers go unnoticed far longer than they should and that NOLCHA is doing a wonderful job to help get the word out about independent designers and their clothing lines by introducing them to the world. Therefore, I’d like to introduce you all to Danilo Gabrielli, fashion designer and owner of the gorgeous clothing line Danilo Gabrielli. I recently had the priviledge of interviewing Danilo and wanted to share our conversation with you!

While Danilo is a fabulous designer, he also has a kind-hearted soul to go with his creativity which is not exactly an everyday find in the fashion world. Danilo’s Fall/Winter 2012 collection has me floored, literally. I have always watched movies from the 1940′s and drooled over the beautiful st

yles of the era. Nowadays, taller women have a hard time finding clothes that cover just the right amount. Either the tops are too wide or the pants are too short. Today is nothing like the 1940′s: the dresses fit curves in all the right places, the tops hit at just the right spot on your waist, and the hemlines were feminine and ladylike. Now, the dresses that “show off your curves” are ten inches too short and five times too tight, almost anything but classy.

So, you can see why I would fall out of my chair when I saw the Danilo Gabrielli Fall/Winter 2012 collection: the 1940′s were his full inspiration. The collection is stocked with classy hemlines and figure-flattering dresses. Think Joan Holloway of Mad Men! The only accessories needed with this gorgeous line is a great pair of pearl studs and bright red lipstick that’ll last you all night long.

How did you fall in love with fashion design?

I grew up around fashion and was always excited about it, even from an early age.  When I was 6 years old, I remember my mother and my aunt making all of the cloths for us kids and using a pattern maker.  I used to draw pictures of women in cloths from when I was 6 years old.  I also always loved old Hollywood movies.  I fell in love with the fashion and glamour of the legendary stars like Greta Garbo & Lauren Becall.

What/who inspires you?

I am definitely inspired by Old Hollywood Glamour.  The fashion that the stars wore in movies like Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Sabrina & Roman Holiday.

If you could pick your two favorite pieces from the Danilo Gabrielli Fall Collection, what would they be? Which pieces make you the happiest that you designed them?

My two favorite pieces from my Fall Collection are the Herringbone Coat Dress with the touches of Lurex and the Sequin Trench style coat. I would say that the sequin trench style coat makes me the happiest.  It a classic design but yet is very unique with the material that I chose.  It’s so versatile that it can be worn out in the evening or casually with jeans.

Who inspires you to be your best self?

It would have to be my elementary school teacher. One day during Math class, I was 8 years old, she caught me doing a drawing on my notebook.  She decided to buy me a canvas and oil colors.  I used to practice every Saturday. She eventually organized a show for the school with all of my work hanging on a wall.

She used to say to me : My Son I believe you have a  gift , please don’t ever abandon this blessing that God has given to you. Promise me you will follow your dreams and be the best you can.  Make me proud one day and prove to me that I was 100% right about you being a special child.

At  that time I didn’t realize those words, and I didn’t know too much about fashion. But, that 5 years with my teacher definitively created a big impact on my career and on my personality and taught me to always push myself to learn and to be the best, and eventually to make her proud.

Who is your fashion idol?

My fashion idol is Jean Paul Gaultier.  I think he is a genius with fashion. He is a very nice person. I met him once in a restaurant in NYC when I was having brunch.  I had the opportunity to talk to him and bought him brunch.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I see myself successful and famous at a level that will allow me to help my family, close friends, and my charity which is the hospital at Lourdes.

I see that the inspiration for the Fall collection came from the 1940′s era. Is that your favorite era? Why?

It is one of my favorite eras.  The fashion in this era was elegant and sophisticated.  It has a sense of confidence in the designs.  This was the era when women became more prominent in the workforce.  They became stronger and more self-confident.

What is your favorite 1940′s outfit? Think of one outfit you could wear from the 1940′s. What would it be?

I would say the outerwear from the 40’s.  I would wear a beautifully tailored trench style coat.  It’s a classic design that is very sophisticated.

What is your advice to someone who wants to become a fashion designer but doesn’t know where to start?

Definitely start with attending a good fashion school.  I think this gives you a good foundation and teaches you the disciplines that you will need.  While you are in school, you can try to get an internship with a good fashion house.  Even after you graduate, go to work first at a major fashion house.  You need job experience to really learn the industry before you go out on your own.

Has anyone famous or anyone you look up to worn Danilo Gabrielli?

I had the honor of dressing country singer Lisa Matassa for the CMA awards last year.  She looked absolutely beautiful! I am also honored to have the opportunity to design gowns for Carrie Ann Inaba from Dancing With The Starts.  She will be wearing them on the show this season.  The gowns are being created now.

In three words, describe the Daniel Gabrielli Fall Collection.

Strong, Confident, Feminine

You can view more designs by visiting www.DaniloGabrielli.com.

 Photos and biography courtesy of Danilo Gabrielli.

Born and raised in Porto Santo Stefano, Monte Argentario – a small island off the West coast of Tuscany, Italy. Danilo graduated from the Accademia Pistoiese in Rome, Italy and achieved a duel degree in Fashion and Costume Design. He moved to New York to pursue his career in the Fashion Industry and after many years of designing for high end labels, he is excited to launch his new line.

Danilo Gabrielli’s mission is to design beautiful, timeless designs for women that allow them to feel elegant and confident while being guided by a combination of rustic Italian beauty and classic American luxury.

The Venexiana Fall 2012 Collection, by designer Kati Stern, paraded down the runway February 11 at Lincoln Center. Celebrities like stylist Jeannie Mai and New York Housewife Alex McCord were in attendance.

Her show was beautiful and very glamorous. There were a lot of gold and silver metallics, black lace and fur. Her statement dresses were beautiful and red carpet ready.

There was also a lot of white sheer shirts with tiered ruffles and long black velvet skirts. Her dresses had floral prints and black lace floral. Other colors she used were a deep rose red, dark steel, and ... Read More »]]> Written by Roxana Hernandez

The Venexiana Fall 2012 Collection, by designer Kati Stern, paraded down the runway February 11 at Lincoln Center. Celebrities like stylist Jeannie Mai and New York Housewife Alex McCord were in attendance.

Her show was beautiful and very glamorous. There were a lot of gold and silver metallics, black lace and fur. Her statement dresses were beautiful and red carpet ready.

There was also a lot of white sheer shirts with tiered ruffles and long black velvet skirts. Her dresses had floral prints and black lace floral. Other colors she used were a deep rose red, dark steel, and dark eggplant purple.

Photos via http://www.bettyconfidential.com

Read about Leanne’s Fall 2010, Fall 2011 and Spring 2012 collections.

For more of Leanne Marshal’s line, go to www.leanimal.etsy.com

Hey, you can even make a resolution to save the planet. Well, not literally but if you check out the fun and eco-friendly line of cocktail dresses at Allison Parris New York, you’d be pretty close to making it a better one!

The eco-friendly and USA made Allison Parris New York collection has been selling internationally since Fall 2009 to stores such as Fred Segal in California, ... Read More »]]> As 2011 comes to an end, many of you are wondering what your new year’s resolutions are going to be for 2012. Why not make a resolution to look hot every possible chance you get in 2012?

Hey, you can even make a resolution to save the planet. Well, not literally but if you check out the fun and eco-friendly line of cocktail dresses at Allison Parris New York, you’d be pretty close to making it a better one!

The eco-friendly and USA made Allison Parris New York collection has been selling internationally since Fall 2009 to stores such as Fred Segal in California, Montmartre in New York, and Style House in Qatar. Fun, flirty, and sexy are three words I would give to describe this gorgeous line’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection. With intricate details and baring hemlines, you can’t help but feel feminine in this line of girly must-haves!

Be sure to check out their beautiful dresses at www.allisonparris.com!

Visit www.AllisonParris.com to view and purchase more of their amazing designs and be sure to keep an eye out for these stunning looks this Spring!

What is your favorite outfit from these photos?

Kaitlin Vocker is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Marketing. In her spare time, Kaitlin enjoys being a freelance writer and a Marketing/Public Relations intern for Chic Galleria Publications, fashion in general, and spending time with her family, fiance, and friends. You can visit her celebrity style blog,www.secretivestyle.com, or follow her on twitter @SecretiveStyle.