Brooklyn Beginnings: A Diverse Tapestry
Born amidst the bustling streets of Brooklyn, Footwear and Accessories Designer; Giselle Habert, 23 of Middle Eastern heritage, infused her early fashion experiences with a unique blend of cultures. Assisting her mother in curating outfits and sewing clothes and accessories for her dolls wasn’t just a childhood activity; it was the budding of a passion that would shape her future.
Key Takeaway: Infuse your designs with multicultural influences for a broader appeal.
The FIT Catalyst: From Dreams to Reality
“Being involved in the fashion industry has always been a dream of mine,” Giselle confides. The hallowed halls of the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) witnessed her metamorphosis. From her initial enrollment in the Footwear and Accessories Design program to contemplating a dual major in Fashion Business Management, Giselle’s academic journey was one of exploration and self-discovery. A serendipitous moment occurred when a classmate expressed interest in modeling her designs, igniting the spark for Gisessories.
Key Takeaway: Consider enrolling in a reputable fashion program like FIT to refine your skills and gain valuable industry insights.
Gisessories Ethos: Crafting an Identity
Giselle’s brand isn’t just about fashion; it’s a narrative of her identity. “I embody the essence of ‘Gisessories,’ a fusion of my name and accessories,” she articulates. Drawing from the empowering term in Hebrew phonetics “גלבוס” (girlboss), Giselle’s brand mirrors her determination and relentless hustle. She’s a firm believer in acknowledging every hand that crafts her vision, from the models to the makeup artists to the photographers and so on.
Key Takeaway: Develop a brand philosophy rooted in your unique identity, values, and life experiences, similar to Giselle’s approach with Gisessories.
Design Aesthetic: The Dance of Delicacy and Daring
Giselle’s BFA Thesis collection, Papillon, is a testament to her design philosophy. “It showcases bow silhouettes, lavish ruffles, and abundant metal hardware,” she elaborates. This juxtaposition of soft femininity with bold edginess allows her creations to resonate with a diverse audience.
Key Takeaway: Strive to create designs that skillfully combine different but complimentary aesthetics, catering to a diverse customer base.
Fashion Week Chronicles: The Crucible of Experience
“During college, I worked as a full-time design student while juggling various part-time internships at FIT,” Giselle recounts. The glitz and glamor of New York Fashion Week (NYFW) were more than just shows for her; they were immersive lessons. These experiences provided a deep dive into the intricate tapestry of the fashion world, influencing her design ethos and business acumen.
Key Takeaway: Pursue real-world experience through internships and events like New York Fashion Week to accelerate your understanding of the fashion industry.
Collaborative Ventures: Weaving Partnerships
Collaborations have been the linchpin in Giselle’s brand evolution. “Back in 2021, I took over the official @fitnyc Instagram for the day,” she recalls with a hint of nostalgia. This takeover was more than just a digital event; it was an opportunity to showcase the life and creativity of an accessories designer. Her partnership with brands like Moshpit Connected, celebrated for their iconic “FIT is a tobacco-free campus” tee, further anchored her position in the NYC fashion milieu.
Key Takeaway: Collaborations with other designers and brands can be instrumental in expanding your reach and strengthening your brand’s identity.
Influences and Inspirations: Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
Giselle’s design inspirations are a mosaic of established designers and emerging voices. “Christian Cowan, one of the kindest designers I worked with during fashion week, stands out,” she emphasizes. The influences of Albert Ayal, the PR maestro behind UND and Up Next Designer. Having the pleasure of inviting him and his team to FIT’s Runway27 fashion show. His page is a great resource for anyone slightly interested in fashion to seek opportunities, inspiration and more.
Key Takeaway: Look up to accomplished designers and industry figures, like Giselle did with Christian Cowan and Albert Ayal.
Looking Ahead: Crafting Tomorrow
With an upcoming feature in W27 Newspaper and potential collaborations in the pipeline, Giselle’s vision for Gisessories is clear. “I see a future where Gisessories is a beacon of innovative design and unmatched quality,” she asserts. As the NYC fashion landscape evolves, Giselle’s brand promises to be its trendsetter.
Key Takeaway: Make your designs authentic and relatable by incorporating elements of your personal style, as Giselle did.
Giselle’s Style and Impact: A Personal Canvas
“My personal style is a melange of femininity and streetwear,” Giselle divulges. This blend is palpable in her designs, where audacious hardware meets graceful femininity. From denim and cargo skirts to the latest Jordans, her wardrobe choices are a testament to her versatility and influence on Gisessories.
Key Takeaway: Keep a deep-seated passion for your craft and persevere with unwavering dedication to ensure a fulfilling and successful journey in the fashion industry.
Conclusion: The Gisessories Legacy
Giselle Habert’s odyssey, from the vibrant streets of Brooklyn to the establishment of Gisessories, is a narrative of passion, perseverance, and unparalleled talent. As she continues to sculpt her legacy in the NYC fashion arena, her story remains an inspiration for every budding designer and fashion aficionado. With Gisessories, Giselle isn’t just designing accessories; she’s curating a legacy. She stands by the quote; “If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life” ~ Mark Twain/ Confucius.
Full Interview
- Can you share a bit about your personal journey and how it led you to create Gisessories?
Since childhood, I’ve had a deep love for fashion and always knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the field. I enjoyed shopping, styling outfits, and assisting my mother in choosing the perfect clothes for various occasions. I spent countless hours sewing and designing clothes and accessories for my Barbie dolls. Being involved in the fashion industry has always been a dream of mine. However, it wasn’t until the 11th grade, during a school tour, that I began to solidify my aspirations. In college, I initially started in the Footwear and Accessories Design program but was conflicted about my major. I briefly considered a dual major in Fashion Business Management to gain some business knowledge, but I soon realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. It was during this time that a classmate expressed interest in modeling my designs, which sparked the idea of creating a design page. From that point on, I never looked back propelling me forward with unwavering determination.
- What was the spark that inspired you to start Gisessories? How did your time at the Fashion Institute of Technology shape your brand’s vision?
(Similar to end intro question) During a nonmajor Business class, a classmate noticed my presence with pattern paper rolls, patterns, and Mood Fabric bags, discovering my identity as a design student. He became my first Gisessories model. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, my design classes shifted online. However, my home sewing machine wasn’t going to cut it, particularly as an Accessories Designer predominantly working with leather. FIT’s industrial heavy-duty machinery became essential. While many classmates returned home, I seized the early opening of the studios, commuting from Brooklyn nearly every day. As one of the few individuals in the labs, I maximized this time to refine my sewing and pattern-making skills. My professors exhibited leniency during this period, allowing more flexibility in our finished products. Not only did I enhance my design abilities, but I also devoted time to personal projects, discovering my creative side and charting my desired direction. Rather than remaining idle at home, I actively attended school and worked in-person amidst widespread closures. I’m so thankful to have had access to the studios.
- How would you describe the philosophy or mission of Gisessories? How does your brand contribute to shaping the fashion industry?
As a designer and entrepreneur, I embody the essence of “Gisessories,” a fusion of my name and accessories. Embracing the Hebrew phonetics of “גלבוס”, which translates to “girlboss”, I embody the qualities of a go-getter and hustler, always striving to advance in life. With a constant focus on my future and career progression, this mindset is invaluable as an emerging designer. I prioritize giving credit where it is due, acknowledging the contributions of models, photographers, stylists, MUAs, and more. Education and sharing the creative process are paramount to me. I go beyond mere posting, infusing meaning and inspiration into my designs through detailed captions and stories, captivating and intriguing my audience. In doing so, I make my contribution to the fashion industry.
- Your designs blend hyper feminine details with rougher hardware. Can you talk about this unique contrast and how it encapsulates the Gisessories aesthetic?
As you may have seen from my BFA Thesis collection, Papillon, perfectly embodies the distinctive Gisessories style. It showcases bow silhouettes, lavish ruffles, and abundant metal hardware, capturing the essence of my design identity. Although I lean towards a feminine aesthetic, I am not confined to womenswear. A male model’s suggestion during a shoot, where I showcased a hat designed for men, encouraged me to explore more menswear designs. This experience reinforced the importance of remaining open-minded while staying true to my creative approach. While bows often evoke thoughts of pink and pastels, I prefer a femininity with an edgy twist, gravitating towards darker and neutral colors and incorporating chains and hardware. The use of mixed metals and heavy hardware allows my designs to transcend traditional gender boundaries, appealing to menswear and unisex fashion. I consciously avoid limiting myself to a singular design style, continuously pushing creative boundaries.
- Can you share any memorable experiences or events that have significantly influenced your work or the direction of Gisessories?
During college, I worked as a full-time design student while juggling various part-time internships at FIT. Although volunteering at NYFW had always been a dream, I never had the opportunity to make it happen. However, I did have the chance to work in RTW and accessories design and production leading up to the show. This involved dressing models, finalizing details, and fulfilling production orders for notable clients and professionals after the event. As a designer, I have a penchant for luxury and high-end fashion, often focusing on editorial-style pieces and shoots. Through my experience at fashion week, I gained valuable insights into the inner workings of the industry, which will be advantageous when I establish my own business in the future. During my university years, I had encounters with individuals I didn’t know, who recognized me as “Gisessories” instead of by my name. It was a humbling moment for me as a designer, realizing that my name was gaining recognition. Being acknowledged by some people in the fashion industry, who actively follow my work, has been a truly memorable experience in my career.
- Can you delve into the concept behind your Footwear and Accessories BFA Thesis Collection? How does it reflect the DNA of the Gisessories Brand?
Overlaps with question 4- refer there question 4 and 6 answered there.
- Who are some fashion influencers or designers that have inspired your work and why?
Christian Cowan, one of the kindest designers I worked with during fashion week, stands out. Albert Ayal, the PR mogul behind UND and Up Next Designer (@upnextdesigner), is known for highlighting and recognizing emerging designers. I invited him and team to the FIT Runway 27 Club show, and his Instagram page is a valuable resource for stylists, designers, and journalists. Lately, I’ve been loving Rick Owens and Mach Mach, as they align with my design aesthetic in certain ways. Mach Mach’s use of crystals and bows shares similarities with my own design elements, while Rick Owens incorporates harsh shapes, hardware, and drapery. When it comes to fashion influencers and bloggers, I highly recommend Michal Kurtis (@mkurtis) and Bridgette Pheloung from @acquired.style. Having met them in the past, I can confidently say their style is immaculate.
- How do you stay updated with the latest fashion trends? How do these trends influence your designs?
In today’s fashion world, trends often draw inspiration from the past. When a new trend emerges, I strive to approach it in my own unique way. Instagram is my go-to platform for gathering inspiration, where I save images in a dedicated folder for future reference. I also stay updated with magazine subscriptions like Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and InStyle. Additionally, I explore trend forecasting sites to stay ahead of the curve. Inspiration can be found anywhere, and I believe in keeping an open mind and looking in various sources for creative ideas.
- As a fashion influencer and designer, what are some fashion tips or advice you would like to share with our audience?
I wouldn’t necessarily refer to myself as a fashion influencer.I use my page to share glimpses of my life as an upcoming designer. I showcase my material sourcing, document my creative process through photos and videos, attend fashion events, and draw inspiration. My advice is to consider attending fashion school if possible, it’s 100% worth it! Despite opinions claiming it’s unnecessary or a waste of money, I believe fashion school is worth it, especially in design. It has provided me with knowledge and opportunities I wouldn’t have otherwise had. Through school, I’ve formed connections, networked with peers, and gained access to numerous resources. Without this educational background, delving into the industry or knowing where to start would have been much more challenging.
- Can you tell us about your collaborations with FITNYC and Moshpit Connected? How have these partnerships enriched your work? (Chabad and Tannery nyc a bit repetitive as was written about them previously)
Back in 2021, I took over the official @fitnyc Instagram for the day. Where I showcased a day in the life of an accessories designer. Showing what my courses looked like, what I did in my internship at the time and personal work. If you couldn’t already tell for those who have been following me I’m an FIT stan, FIT is practically my middle name lol. Could go all day about the school. I’m so proud to have gotten my education at the #1 fashion school, known to be prestigious.
With Moshpit Connected a brand started by Gabriel Pereya and Vann Ceniceros with their infamous “FIT is a tobacco free campus” tee. We together tried to recreate the typical FIT skater look. Think it was one of my most recognized posts to date. More info on the post see here; more detail to write about in caption(https://www.instagram.com/p/CoWF7wcOw0E/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==)
- What are your future plans for Gisessories? Any upcoming collections or collaborations that you’re excited about?
My current focus is on showcasing my work and expressing my creative outlook through a design page. While I have aspirations to eventually go into production and launch my own line, I recognize the importance of gaining more experience in the field beforehand. At this stage, I am seeking opportunities to enhance my skills and knowledge before taking the leap into independent production.
Upcoming feature in W27 Newspaper FIT’s newspaper article highlighting some of my sustainable designs, but hasn’t yet been released yet shhh.
Have a few exciting collaborations and features in the works, but not enough to share just yet… stay tuned.
- How would you describe your personal style? How does it influence your designs for Gisessories?
My personal style is a fusion of femininity and streetwear. You’ll always find me in an oversized jacket or hoodie paired with some variation of denim skirt, cargo or parachute skirt. And of course as a footwear designer always keep up with the latest kicks #sneakerhead. Literally my closet is full of every type and wash of denim skirts, and there are way too many variations of cargo skirts to count. I love me a pair of Jordan’s, Salomons, Sambas, Nikes the list can go on… However I also embrace my girly side and will wear something more with a flared feminine touch,depending on my mood.
What you wear is what you design. Meaning what I wear reflects on my designs. As an accessories designer I design all kinds of accessories such as hats, footwear, handbags, belts and other small leather goods. It’s the accessories that make the outfit. So I always try to design with the purpose that they should stand out and elevate the outfit. As written in my thesis statement the Gisessories consumer is someone that isn’t afraid to stand out from the crowd.
- How do you use your influence through social media to form cultural connections outside of your community?
The way I form connections is mainly through social media, but not limited to. Believe it or not a lot of times my connections and networking is done in person, meeting face to face. The way I started Gissessories was simply by making connections with my peers around me. Till today I reach out to models, muas and friends, family, mutuals and people I don’t know to model in my designs. Some if not many I have never met before and never modeled before which in my opinion makes it even cooler about it. I also believe my openness in sharing my process, giving design advice and inclusivity.
- What advice would you give to aspiring fashion designers or entrepreneurs who are looking to make an impact in the industry?
“If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life” encapsulates the essence of this quote. For me, designing new handbags and outfits is an absolute joy. It doesn’t resemble the typical 9-5 routine, schoolwork, or obligatory tasks. Designing is not about simply getting things done; it’s a passion that brings me immense happiness. Every moment in this field has been fulfilling, despite the inevitable ups and downs. I couldn’t imagine pursuing any other career path—it’s truly my calling.
If you’re even remotely into fashion in some way, don’t let that thought get away. You’ll always wish you pursued that passion. Whether it be working or studying fashion or just a side hobby go for it. It isn’t easy, but if you’re up for what it takes and the constant ride take it into account. Pursuing a fashion career isn’t easy as people tend to make it out to be online and on social media, nor is it a low class field or deemed less important because you aren’t becoming a doctor or lawyer. Another piece of advice is put yourself out there, don’t be afraid to read out to people even if you think they’re too high up, network with other creatives and industry professionals and constantly remind people that you’re out there by consistently putting yourself out there so it acts as a reminder. Get yourself on Instagram, create a LinkedIn to establish your professional presence.
