Lauren Gabrielson - online only

From down-to-earth Midwestern gal to sophisticated New York fashion designer comes the lush silk gowns and custom made apparel from Lauren Gabrielson. The young fashion entrepreneur of Romeo, Michigan took on fashion at an early age, with her first design memory centering around the recreation of the Britney Spears arm socks the pop star donned at Super Bowl XXXV. From there she went on to study apparel and textile design at Michigan State, giving her the foundation that would ultimately lead to a thriving eponymous brand based in New York.

After relocating to New York, Gabrielson began creating timeless silhouettes that will remain in style for years to come. All of her fashions are made in Manhattan’s garment center and she applies her belief in how a fabric can make all the difference in her use of fine, 100% silk, English wool crepe and French lace. She designs for the uptown or downtown urban mother: a strong woman who multitasks, works, takes her children to school and needs functionality above all other qualities in her clothing.

The custom made aspect of Gabrielson’s brand is one of the most catching features, as it allows women to add a unique piece to their wardrobe that is truly one-of-a-kind. With 98 colors available in silk, women can personalize their design and ensure that they will find a shade that works with their skin tone as well as their personality. And the fact that bridal wear is available through Gabrielson just adds to the quality of the brand. She can custom design bridesmaid dresses, outfits for the rehearsal dinner and much more. Soon she will be wholesaling at a bridal show, as well. Given that the bridal wear brings in almost half of her clientele, undertaking weddings was a brilliant business venture.

The future is looking quite bright for Gabrielson, who has only been designing for her brand for the past three years. She opened her SoHo boutique in May of 2011, and already has plans to distribute her resort merchandise in luxury hotels along the Caribbean. With her designs she has proven a valuable fashion lesson, which is that it pays to invest in pieces that will last you almost a lifetime. She certainly seeks to make garments that adhere to this rule, and it doesn’t hurt that they are absolutely beautiful, too.