Gabriele’s lifelong passions are clothing and fashion design. Born in Germany, her youth included learning the intricacies of embroidery, sewing, crocheting, and knitting from her grandmother, aunt and Catholic nun teachers. The nuns in particular saw and encouraged her abilities, and under their strict discipline and guidance, her natural talents flourished. Her love of the arts extended into other areas, including the study of ballet, ballroom dance, classical guitar and voice.
Her discovery at the age of 17 by an agency photographer led to an extensive modeling career that stretched across the European Continent and allowed her full entrance into the exciting world of the high fashion industry. Working with designers, master seamstresses, embroiderers and fitters, her innate talents blossomed as she learned the advanced skills and techniques associated with the design and production of couture.
The ten years following her discovery were a whirlwind of achievement and activity. Gabriele’s modeling resume included work as a model for Mercedes Benz at its international auto expositions, commercial model for Lufthansa Airline, Kawasaki and Honda motorcycle, fitting model for Neckermann catalogue (the largest catalogue company in Europe) and work with well known clothing companies such as Fiorucci (later acquired by Benneton), Mademoiselle, House of Brides, House of Daniele, Swimwear Diane von Furstenberg, etc.
Her achievements also spread into other related areas, as Gabriele worked for Hessischer Rundfunk Television HR-1, including roles in several television shows, a stand-in body double for European celebrities and a guest star on Showbiz on Italian Television. Despite her hectic schedule, the multi-talented Gabriele graduated from Heinrich von Stephan College with a marketing / business / economics degree. She also successfully competed in Germany in three beauty pageants, finishing first or second in all of them, and being crowned Miss Quantas Airlines to open the international six-day bicycle race representing the Australian Race Team in 1981. She was accepted as an entrant to the Miss Germany pageant, but withdrew from participation to move to the United States. Her variety of endeavors enabled Gabriele to experience life on four different continents in more than 25 countries.
Although Gabriele achieved notable success as a model, her passionate interest in fashion design saw her open her own designer studio in Southern California in 1984. Over the next several years, she produced her exquisite collections of gowns which she then sold exclusively to Nordstrom’s couture department and to boutiques in Beverly Hills and Newport Beach, including Beaujon Paris, Mon Amie and My Place. These gowns were purchased and worn by Hollywood celebrities, as well as her European clients.
It was in California in 1986 when she married her husband, an attorney and businessman. Her fashion design career was temporarily placed on hold when her son was born, followed by the arrival of a daughter. Believing in the importance of motherhood and the stability it brings to family life, she focused her energies on raising her children. During this time, she limited her business activities to the production of couture bridal and evening gowns. Gabriele has accumulated a fantastic inventory of one-of-a-kind and limited edition evening and bridal gowns. In addition, she has continued to provide couture gowns on a select basis to a world-wide, discriminating clientele who appreciate the elegance and beauty of haute couture.
During the last twenty-five years, Gabriele has lectured at various colleges and universities, high schools and middle and elementary schools throughout the United States. She has also produced, choreographed and directed many high fashion shows and taught licensed classes in the art of international high fashion modeling.
Upon relocating with her family to Columbus, Ohio, Gabriele now continues her lifelong passion for bridal and evening designs. Gabriele’s personal life experience and knowledge make her the choice for women of elegance who appreciate the finest in high fashion couture. Whether she chooses the exclusivity of a Gabriele-designed gown, or selects from one of the American or European fashion designers in her salon, any woman will be assured of wearing the ultimate in feminine, attention-riveting fashion.
Who better than a woman to understand another woman’s dreams? The success of Gabriele begins with this premise and continues with the story of one woman who listened to her inner voice which guided her to produce her beautiful, timeless and elegant creations.
