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The dish with … Gabriel Conroy

By Lesley Kennedy

Gabriel Conroy is a fashion designer living in Basalt. His clothes are available for purchase exclusively by private appointment and at B’jewel in Aspen. We caught up with Conroy as he dished on his influences, his favorite style-makers and why green is the new black.

How I got started in fashion: In 1995, I was living in London on a six month work visa. I was tending bar in Clapham and ended up meeting a Saville Row tailor named Joseph Allen. I was interested in his work and ended up taking a class on tailoring he taught at the London College of Fashion. I never turned back after that. I have to mention also that my aunt, Jayne Jo Toma, was a model and later a producer of fashion shows. I spent many hours as a young boy backstage at fashion shows – probably my earliest influence.

Where I work: I have a small apartment in Basalt and work out of there. I have a very simple set up of three machines, three dress maker forms and a steam iron.

My fashion vision: It changes from season to season, but currently I am very inspired to use eco-fabrics and treat them in more artistic, modern ways. For example, I have put together a small line of soy and organic cotton French terry dresses that I have painted with an airbrush using dye.

What influences my designs: I am influenced by Parisian couture of the late ’80s, early ’90s heavy metal music and the natural color combinations of spring flowers like tulips. Today, anyway.

My current collection: It’s a vast departure from what I’ve been doing for the past two years. I’m using less lace and beading and more jersey and industrial fastenings. I’m using large brass industrial zippers as a metallic trim, as opposed to antique gold chantilly lace. I’m moving away from fitted jackets into fitted vests and away from gowns into somber but sexy little black dresses.

My typical customer: My customer is more concerned with style than brand name, of course, because I’m just a little unknown nobody. They seem to appreciate fashion as more of an artform than a status symbol. Most of my clients are not slaves to the fashion uniforms of yesterday and today, they dabble in trends but only to a certain level. Their wardrobe big ticket items are always classics.

Five women (past or present) with great style: Cate Blanchett, Carmen del Orifice, Ruth Dantzer (my wife), Princess Diana, Madame Gautreau

How fashion has changed during my career: When I began about 10 years ago, the department stores seemed to dictate styles and combinations with their elaborate window dressing and glossy catalog spreads. It seems like today the styles are dictated by savvy stylists with an original take on dressing. Rachel Zoe comes to mind, she has rules and understands when they need to be broken. I wish she would use some of my pieces…

What’s next: I really believe that the green movement and fashion design have a hot date down the road. In that way fashion is behind the times, but it will be a powerful combination… Beauty and wisdom collide!

20 QUESTIONS WITH GABRIEL CONROY
1. My go-to outfit: Calvin Klein straight leg jeans, black Havaianas, any 100 percent linen white button down and Rudy Project shades

2. Guilty pleasure: Death Proof by Quentin Tarantino and Chinese take-out

3. My theme song would be: Is She Weird by the Pixies

4. Beauty product I can’t live without: Soap

5. I get my hair cut by: I prefer Matthew Morris.

6. Hidden talent: I can speak to cats.

7. Must-see TV: Rescue Me, the women on that show are crazzzzy

8. Best advice my mother ever gave me: Just cinch it!!!!

9. I’m now reading: The Seance

10. My perfect meal: Quiche, roasted potatoes, spring mix salad, Pelegrino with lime, Fleur du Sel by Haagen Dazs, cappucino

11. My best vacation: Late spring in Stockholm’s archipelego

12. I wish I had more time to: Hang out with friends

13. I can’t start my day without: Good coffee

14. Favorite jeans: Calvin Klein

15. Must-have accessory: A sense of humor

16. Favorite designer: Christian Lacroix

17. Best bargain I’ve ever scored: Vintage YSL double-breasted custom-tailored jacket for $5 at Goodwill

18. Favorite movie: Angel-A by Luc Besson

19. Favorite color: Right now, black

20. Signature scent: Essential oil of amber with a hint of morning coffee

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