Dynamic Duo: Gracy & Audi Accad of Gracy Accad New York
THE MOTHER & DAUGHTER TEAM OF AUDI & GRACY ACCAD OF GRACY ACCAD NEW YORK
1. How long have you been working together? When did Audi join the company?
Gracy: My Mother, Audi, and I started working together four years ago, using her background in production management to guide and organize the development of the brand. Then about three years ago she came on officially, managing the business end of the operation. Audi was my biggest supporter and took her experience to jump start my brand Gracy Accad. I wouldn’t be where I am without her guidance.
2. Gracy, when did you start your brand? How did you get into bridal?
Gracy: I began seven years ago, creating on demand, one of a kind bespoke pieces for a private clientele that quickly expanded internationally in premiere markets like New York, France, Korea & Japan. Four years later after working closely with a friend on her bridal gown, I discovered my love and passion for the art, and shortly after, debuted my first bridal collection at NYBFW.
Audi: I worked with my husband in the textile and manufacturing business, as head of the production and design teams.
3. What specific role(s) do you each play in the company? How do your skills and specific personalities influence your roles in the company?
Audi: I am COO & CFO. I manage the team, as well as keeping the finances in order, and dealing with day to day logistics.
Gracy: I spend my time: Designing, meeting with clients, sourcing fabrics, and embroideries; while maintaining the day to day required necessities around the atelier. It has always been a dream of mine to take over my Mother’s original role in the family business, but being able to pursue my dreams and have my Mom as a confidant and trusted mentor has bonded us. My Mom’s organization skills and background in production/design combined with my love and eye for fashion make us a dream team.
4. What is your favorite part about working together?
Gracy: The best part about working together is the Trust and determination for the best interest of the brand. As well as our common goal, love for each other, and obviously the art itself.
5. What is the most challenging part about working together?
Gracy: The most challenging part of working together is that work comes home with us, and is an around the clock operation and conversation. But, to be frank with you, we both have a drive for excellence and a passion for the highest quality of work.
6. How do you go from a mother-daughter relationship outside of the office to a co-working relationship in the office?
Gracy: My Mother and I are fortunate- the dimensions of our relationship intertwine very well. The Mother-Daughter bond is at the foundation of our relationship. We constantly strive to make each other proud and celebrate the wins. In the office, that familial energy adapts to a more structured and focused goal - The Gracy Accad brand. My Mother is a Wonder Woman when it comes to business, but she understands how important the brand is to me, and supports my decisions.
7. What inspires each of you?
Gracy: My inspiration is driven by the desire to share my vision and love for quality, timeless garments.
Audi: I am inspired by the promise I see in the brand potential. As well as, seeing my Daughter succeed with a company that bares our last name.
8. How do you collaborate to come up with the theme/inspiration for the new collection each season? Can you take me through the process?
Gracy: I am personally inspired by: Combining luxury fabrics, embroideries, and textures to create feminine silhouettes. I didn’t necessarily see this design concept in the market when I was becoming a young woman- so I wanted to design fashion that celebrated female beauty, accentuate the power of woman, while also adhering to traditional culture.
Audi: I am inspired by the process and watching it turn into the ultimate result of our combined hard work.
9. What is inspiring each of you right now?
Gracy: In the past, inspiration is derived from iconic figures, places I’ve travelled, and even my original art: Ballet. Once I have the vision, my first call is TO my Mom to get her input and seal of approval. This season I knew I was aiming for opulent richness, transformed into our classic yet modern silhouettes. Our aim is always timeless beauty. This season, I was inspired by the beauty, extravagance, and regality of the Palace of Versailles... A time period where France became the fashion center of the world. (See the Full collection in the Gown Gallery)
Audi: I am inspired by the new heights Gracy reaches with every new collection.
10. Gracy, how do you think the brand has changed since Audi started working with you? (Or has she been there from the beginning?)
Gracy: The brand definitely has changed since my Mom has officially taken the role as managing partner. She has taken the business to another level, helping me achieve my dream of selling to retail. She is efficient, structured, and detail oriented. I can always trust her to handle the business end of the operation, which is a relief for me so I can focus on the design aspects.
11. Gracy, how would you describe working with Audi?
Gracy: Working with my Mom is a relief, I know I can count on her to deliver or make the impossible possible. Her strict work ethic keeps me in line, and I have the privilege of learning from her in the process.
12. Audi, how would you describe working with Gracy?
Audi: Being that I respect and trust Gracy’s vision in design, It makes it much easier to work together.
13. Can you each think of a specific memory that stands out as being one of your favorites in terms of working together? Please share!
Gracy: I would have to say for me, it was after our first show at Jean Georges. I was so nervous for the debut of the brand, especially at the young age of 27 to be entering the “big leagues”. My Mom was composed and confident. Watching her delegate and transform my dreams into a reality is something I will always cherish.
Audi: It was at Jean Georges, when Gracy came out at the end of the show and joined all the models. It was a magical moment.
14. Down the road, do you think kids and grandkids will join the family business?
Gracy: I see my brand as an extension of my family’s business currently, as they work in textiles. We share office space and I have the privilege of working within close parameters to them. So, having kids and grandkids continue the legacy would be a dream. I got married this august…so happy to share some photos below.
