Original Article
Gabriella Vera Vassallo is a creative director of VASSALLO Corporation. She is a strong, independent, stylish and well-travelled woman. Her father was a UN diplomat, that travelled and lived abroad frequently, which allowed Gabriella exposure to various parts of the world. Her journey started in South America; she was born in Peru, raised in Brazil and Chile and more recently she lived in South Korea. But Canada is where she decided to make her permanent home. She has a Bachelor in Hotel Management and is fluent in Spanish, Portuguese and English. These international experiences have shown her varying cultures, traditions and, of course, fashion. Moreover, it was International Fashion an inherent love and affiliation she had had since childhood, that truly resonated with her. Over the years, she developed an exquisite and critical eye for style in her designs.
24FASHION.TV: When did you first realize you wanted to pursue a career as a fashion designer?
Gabriella Vera Vassallo: Fashion has been an inherent love and affiliation I had since childhood. I have been sketching since I was a little girl. My father was a UN diplomat, and we were fortunate enough to travel and live in several countries growing up. This international exposure to varying traditions and cultures allowed me to develop a critical eye for style. In 2002, I opened a bridal boutique that was very successful, until we moved to countries and also shortly after my daughter was born, who is now 17 years old, and has just been admitted to University, hence I am now able to pursue my passion full force.
What is your favorite part about being a designer?
I love the creative process. I get inspired by anything my eye catches anywhere and everywhere. Furthermore, I will pick parts and pieces that I fall in love with to develop my designs. I am on constant lookout that may bring ideas to my mind. Also, seeing the final product come to live, it's not only very gratifying but quite rewarding as a designer. And finally, seeing other women fall in love and wear my designs is the cherry on the top.