Welcome, fashion-lovers! I’m Gabrielle, and I hope to be your fashion guidance counselor. My journey began as a fashion designer who found textiles, construction, and style lines to be the most creatively expansive endeavor. I’ve since become a personal stylist and certified color analyst as I found my passion extended past designing and into the world of helping people find their authentic style pov. I’m committed to helping you find strength through style.
Background
I’ve always had an endless fascination with style. When I was little I had a very distinct personal style, one that revolved around ruffle and drama, and it leant itself well to the spur-of-the-moment shows I would put on for anyone with the patience to watch a 6-year-old belt Broadway tunes.
After my parents had refused my requests for a pair of proper high heels at the age of 5, my stubbornness and determined nature kicked in and I built my own pair. I wobbled around ballet flats with the necks of salad dressing bottles glued on as the heels for a solid week until they relented to buy me a “safe” pair.
No one ever had to ask me to put on a pretty outfit, I was always game for crafting a head-to-toe look.
Education
In college I found myself studying Fashion Design at both Parsons The New School for Design (where I later earned my BFA in fashion design) and Central Saint Martins.
It’s here I studied fabrics, construction, draping, color theory, and the general principles of style. I loved to create and then style these pieces, which is eventually why after I graduated I started my design line.
My Fashion Design Work
While I worked for various high-end designers right out of college, I lacked creative freedom at these jobs. Which is eventually why I started my line. My eponymous line was sold at popular stores like Anthropologie and Bloomingdales.
I had successes like showing at NYFW, and having world-class stylists like Luxury Law dress Zendaya in my pieces.
From here, I transitioned to custom bridal gowns which started my fascination with style systems and color analysis. After all, if I’m making one of the most important pieces of clothing for someone in their lifetime, we need to make sure all the details were harmonized perfectly!
This journey led me to realize my passion for personal style development and the benefits of developing what I refer to as your “style toolbox“. While using my background in design and style education, I realized the monumental benefit this was having on my own style and my client’s style.
Here we are!
So, I created gabriellearruda.com with the mission of helping people find strength through style and feel good in the clothes they wear. I believe your style can be a superpower, and I’m here to help you tap into that.
My philosophy around style is rooted in expressing your truest, most authentic self through your style every single day.
Now, my website is just the start! I also have a podcast that talks about learning to trust your own fashion instincts.
A YouTube channel with various style series about different style systems, shopping strategies, and wardrobe building.
And in my lovely Facebook group where like-minded fashion lovers share and help one another move their style journeys forward.
My Services
In my pursuit to help people find their best personal styles, I realized how critical color can be in that journey. During my many years of styling people, I found that seasonal color analysis was a hugely helpful factor in achieving a style “glow up”.
This led me to get certified in color analysis in the 12 Blueprints Sci-Art System. I will be offering in-person color appointments in Brooklyn, NY, and Seattle, Washington. You can find out more information and book here.
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Policies & Procedures