10 Questions With Designer Marcelo Gaia of Mirror Palais
Designer Marcelo Gaia
1) Tell us about your background and your story that inspired you to CREATE Mirror Palais.
I was born and raised in New York and raised by parents that immigrated from Brazil. I started designing dresses when I was very little and without realizing it, I was designing princesses and mermaids. I had really bad grades in school and ended up going to a 16-month program for fashion desigN. immediately after graduation, I was working full time for a stylist and ended up working in styling for 10 year. After years of styling, I had an opportunity to start a line, which I did with a friend, and it was a great succeSS. so shortly after, I decided to start my own brand– Mirror Palais.
2) Describe the concept and vision of the brand.
The initial concept of the brand was to combine elements that I find beautiful and nostalgic into something that would resonate with the modern woman and my peers. I wanted to create a fantasy of a creative, sophisticated lady who isn't afraid to stand out.
3) What are the fabrications and treatments?
We use a combination of silk charmeuse, silk chiffon, crepe back satin, soft novelty fabrics and memorable embroideries, drapey synthetics for more durability, soft cottons and flexible power mesh.
4) What would you say is an iconic look from any of your collections?
The underwire tops and slip dresses, the plunging back cowl dresses and the tunneled/cotton eyelet pieces.
5) What makes a garment sustainable?
To me, there is no such thing as true sustainability– when you create something, you are making something that will eventually become waste. To me, the most sustainable practices are making things that will last a long time out of materials that are either biodegradable or are made to last in your closet for a lifetime.
6) Where does your design inspiration come from?
My design inspiration comes from vintage shopping, old films, iconic actresses, historical fashion– particularly the 18th century– and the women of New York.
7) Tell us about the bridal collection. Why bridal?
I have been the man of honor for many of my close friends and went to every dress shopping appointment and felt very comfortable and confident helping someone find their dream dress. Many of our customers were getting married in our pieceS, so we decided to design a collection specifically for brides and also work on custom pieces.
8) What are the fabrications and treatments?
For bridal, we use silk voile, silk charmeuse, silk chiffon, french wool and cotton lace imported from France.
9) where is the bridal made and sold?
Our bridal collection is made in New York and sold direct on Mirrorpalais.com.
10) Tell us about your celebrity and It girl clientele and following?
I love working with public figures…it's an honor to dress the world's most beautiful and accomplished women. We recently did a custom look for Barbie Ferrara for a special event in Brazil, which is where my family is from, so it was beautiful to connect with her, as she is also Brazilian and to create magic together.
