Gabby Lewis is a fashion designer, stylist, and creative based in LA and Tokyo. She began designing a children’s clothing line called bunny & hare, affectionately inspired by her daughter. Since then, she’s expanded her career as a designer, creating her own namesake brand GaMi Lew.
Sassy & Co magazine recently caught up with Gabby to discuss her journey in the fashion industry, and here’s what went down:
How did you get into the fashion industry?
I began by assisting as a stylist in 2010, which later in 2011 encouraged me to start my career as a celebrity stylist. From red carpet events to styling Fashion Editorials for magazines, I wanted to gain hands-on experience in every part of the Fashion Industry. In 2013 I started my own magazine called Thrifty Hunter. I felt as though I had stepped into another world. It was one of the most memorable experiences of a lifetime. Thrifty Hunter delivered 13 unforgettable issues. After the birth of my daughter in 2015, I put everything on hold to be a full-time mom and really move into motherhood. While in Japan in 2016, I felt like there was more to be done. So inspired by my daughter, I decided to create my first kids’ clothing brand, “bunny & hare.” My baby girl inspired everything I designed. I created two collections, Made In Japan, that were featured in 3 consecutive issues of Vogue magazine in 2020! In 2019 I felt the need to expand as a designer, so I took fashion design courses. From those classes, I was given the opportunity to design 2 SHEIN collections in 2021 and 2022 called “Let Them Stare!”
What do you like most about being a designer?
Being a designer allows me to create things based on my imagination and share them with others.
Downside to being a fashion designer?
The downside is many designers don’t see this industry as a form of expression. Instead, they use it as a form of competition rather than understanding others’ artistic views in fashion.
What has been the most memorable experience of being in the fashion industry so far?
The most memorable experience is receiving an email from Vogue Magazine asking to feature my kids’ brand in 3 consecutive issues. This is just one of many memorable experiences, but this came at the right time in my life as a reminder that you never know who’s watching you or being inspired by you’re creativity, so DON’T GIVE UP.
Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?
I have met some amazing fashion and innovative people here in Tokyo. I love how expressive they are through fashion. Sometimes you meet those individuals who give you an entire story through their style. It’s so inspiring! That’s what I love most.
What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned while in the fashion industry. This can be about the industry or about yourself.
The most valuable thing I’ve learned is no matter what, you have an opportunity to be yourself and stay true to who you are. It’s okay to be original. Most importantly character/ personality and how you treat other is the most important thing anyone can do no matter what you’re doing in life.
Is your family supportive of you being a fashion designer?
100%! I create and design for my husband daily. He constantly pushes me to step out of my comfort zone as a designer and see that I can do anything I set my mind to do.
If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were just getting started, what would you do differently?
I would make sure never to second guess myself.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
It doesn’t matter who doesn’t understand or who doesn’t believe what you are trying to do. If you really love it, just stick with it, and continue to do what you love.
What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.
Just to travel around the world and continue to expand as a designer. It is creating more unique and couture designs that can inspire the world.
