Gabriella's Blog

Something I learned from a very young age from my mother, is to invest in a little black dress. Why is it that the little black dress has been an essential part in a woman’s closet? Could it be the simplicity or the slimming effect it offers? Whatever the case may be, the little black dress has been made popular by celebrities, designers and the everyday woman.

SCAD presented the Little Black Dress exhibition which opened in September curated by Andre Leon Talley. The exhibition displays 80 timeless garments showing versatility and elegance in their own way. It embodies independence and the transition of the of the timeless garment throughout the years.

Featured garments in the exhibition include Tom Ford, Carolina Herrera, Chanel, Prada, Yves Saint Laurent, Oscar de la Renta, Givenchy, Ralph Lauren and many, many more. I had so many favorites and an appreciation for all.

“Femininity is an aesthetic that makes the body sublime. What I look at first in a woman is the way she holds her head, her waist, shoulders” –Thierry Mugler

Trying to keep up with the latest trends and upcoming designers is important in order to understand the fashion industry, but knowing how fashion has evolved and changed throughout the years is crucial. After learning about different pre-21^st Century fashion designers, one can only appreciate how they’ve changed and influenced the industry today.

Thierry Mugler is one of those influencers who have managed to step outside of the norm and follow his own vision.  Inspired by strong, powerful women and the movement and artistic expression of the theater, Mugler has managed to recreate beautiful garments embodying and emphasizing women’s curves using bizarre materials and fabrics. Mugler’s obsession with movement and shape is celebrated through structured silhouettes and tailored suits with his anatomical cuts. A design that shapes and highlights the elegance of a woman without ignoring the shameless sex appeal. Thanks to many designers, such as Mugler, women can feel confidant in their own skin and designers can follow their imagination.

Growing up, I’ve developed many different styles and looking back, the question, “what inspires you”, has changed dramatically. I find inspiration in more things than I can count. When I was a child, I desperately wanted to be a famous popstar, I would imitate the way my favorite singers would dress and act. Obviously I’ve grown up since that eight year old dream and boy am I glad. I’ve been brought up in a Cuban household down in Miami, FL. I’ve been lucky enough to experience all the beautiful architecture, art and different cultures Miami has to offer. Different cultures and places have always interested me and over the years of traveling, I’ve been lucky enough to experience beautiful places and meet wonderful people who have inspired me. To me, traveling challenges my ideals and norms of what I’m typically used too. On top of seeing different types of architecture and beliefs, traveling has opened me to try many different things and view life in a new light

Aside from receiving inspiration from art and different environments, the human body has always inspired me. For hundreds of years, the body has inspired many. The movement, the lines, the structure and function of the body is something of a miracle. The Drawings from Leonardo Da Vinci introduced a new new way of exploring the body. Through his work, we can explore his mind a little better. Human anatomy is something to be studied and to be inspired by.