Renowned for her unique and evocative fashion designs, Gabriella Demetriades, the celebrity fashion designer and entrepreneur, has become a defining figure in the world of style. With an artistic legacy that flows through her veins, she recently launched her new ‘Summer of Love’ collection at the esteemed Lakme Fashion Week, a collaborative effort with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI). During an exclusive interview with mid-day.com, Gabriella shared intimate details about her inspirations, current fashion movements and her personal journey within the industry.
The ‘Summer of Love’ collection showcased Gabriella’s flair for modern fashion. Alluring lace, delicate silk, sleek satin, and versatile jersey formed the basis of her designs, encapsulating a muted, summery charm while some pieces, adorned with golden embellishments, transitioned seamlessly into exquisite evening attire. When quizzed about the muse behind her designs, Gabriella divulged her recent affinity for beachside living and its influence on her work. “I’ve spent a great deal of time at the beach which has inspired me to recreate that quintessential moment when women transition from sun-kissed beachgoers to glamorous night owls. It’s about embodying that sensation of feeling irresistible, alluring and empowered.”
In tracing the origins of her passion for fashion, Gabriella didn’t have to look far. It was her mother’s own venture into the world of fashion design that sowed the seeds of creativity in Gabriella. “My mother was not only a designer but now is a talented oil painter. Her areas of artistic expression certainly had an effect on me growing up. While it took me time to carve my own path, her influence was certainly a catalyst for my eventual embrace of the fashion world.”
Speaking of the prevailing trends set to dominate this year, Gabriella remarked, “Butter yellow hues are on the rise, and there’s a resurgence of the Western trend, with cowboy-inspired themes making a comeback. Sheer is also making its mark.” Nevertheless, one trend that Gabriella cannot bring herself to embrace is the return of low-waisted jeans. She humorously attributes her aversion to a “mom body” and hints that perhaps in the future, post-motherhood physique, she might reconsider.
As the partner of Bollywood actor Arjun Rampal and a mother of two, Gabriella stands as a beacon for body positivity and a proponent of self-confidence. Her message to moms or any women who grapple with fashion hesitancy strikes a chord that resonates deeply in the realm of self-expression: “The world’s your oyster. You can wear what you want, when you want, as long as you feel good in it.” She advocates for the idea that style is an individual choice and should be embraced freely, irrespective of societal norms.
In conclusion, Gabriella Demetriades’ latest foray into the fashion scene with the ‘Summer of Love’ collection marks yet another milestone in her career—a testament to her mother’s artistic legacy, her own creative vision, and her commitment to empowering women through fashion. As for the future of style, the buttery tones of yellow, the sheer fabrics, and the Western trend have Gabriella’s stamp of approval, but, for better or worse, the low-rise jeans will just have to wait.
