Conversations with the Inspiring Gabriela Martinez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriela Martinez.

Gabriela is an award-winning fashion designer with more than 20 years of experience in wedding gowns, evening wear and special occasion, expert restyling of vintage wedding gowns. Skilled pattern and sample making for designers. She specializes in custom designed fashions. She provides professional services: clothing product development, clothing design, haute couture dressmaking, expert alterations, professional fashion shows, wardrobe/costume styles, restyling of vintage garments and furs, offers custom garments. Gabriela Designs is not just a place where we can design, sew or alter a garment, it is the place where a piece of fabric becomes something beautiful and amazing.

Beguiled with fashion at the young age of eight, the award-winning Latina Fashion Designer breathes a new and unique inventiveness and pure elegance into her alluring, sophisticated collection of eveningwear. Since her arrival in Denver in 2003, she has infused a fresh spirit into the Denver fashion scene, quickly carving her own niche. Born in Los Angeles in 1974, one of five sisters, she began creating doll clothes and then one-of-a-kind ward-robes for family and friends. At age 17, she began her formal education at the Universidad Regional del Norte in Chihuahua, Mexico where her family had relocated. She received her Bachelor Degree in Fashion Design and opened her first modest atelier at age 22, importing fabrics from NY and CA to Mexico, for her growing client base. 2013, Denver Fashion Designer of the year. 2011, Denver Rising Fashion Star Category evening wear and special occasion. By (FGI) 2010, FACE (Fashion and creative entrepreneur) Best special occasion designer. 2010, Denver Fashion Festival 1st place Best design and fashion designer of the year 2013 by RAW (Indie Arts awards).

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
When you love what you do, the path will be easier, but do not let anything or anyone distract you from the road to your goals.

What should we know about Gabriela Couture? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am a Fashion Designer that puts my ideas onto paper then watch them walk across the runway.

I am proud to see others do well with what they love. I like to be inspired and inspire others to achieve their dreams and create what they want to exist in this lifetime.

I use fabric, design, inspiration, colors, textures, patterns, cultures to create new dresses.

I own and operate my own clothing line www.GabrielaCouture.com and am the Co-Director of www.FashionCoutureAcademy.com.

I live to create, inspire, show and empower those around me to be better at being better.

What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
Fear of language barriers.
Fear of starting.
Fear of resources.
Fear of judgment.
Fear of acceptance.
Fear that you must speak English.

But just because you speak with an accent doesn’t mean you think with an accent.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Gabrielacouture.com
• Phone: 720-628-6764
• Email: gabrieladesigns@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/GabrielaDesignsDenver/?eid=ARBk0jEYmv1ikZGB02HdEW0_Afrqorob5BdygjPq23eDFsO-fSuoT7RC5uQDnq55AuOz-kkCV7-ugoOL&timeline_context_item_type=intro_card_work&timeline_context_item_source=100000294196404&fref=tag
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GabrielaDesignsDenver/?eid=ARBk0jEYmv1ikZGB02HdEW0_Afrqorob5BdygjPq23eDFsO-fSuoT7RC5uQDnq55AuOz-kkCV7-ugoOL&timeline_context_item_type=intro_card_work&timeline_context_item_source=100000294196404&fref=tag

Image Credit:
Photography by Larry Mark, Marcus photography and Anthony Garnica

Getting in touch: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.