Julia Gabriel is a handbag designer and maker from Houston, Texas. She began her artistic training in ballet at the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, but found she was more drawn to mending the costumes and fixing sewing machines than being on stage. Her desire to create brought her to the Craft & Material Studies department at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she received her BFA in 2011. After graduating, Houston called her back home.
In August 2014, Julia launched her brand, Julia Gabriel Studio, with her first collection (Fall/Winter 2014) of handbags, backpacks, and small goods. Using principles from architecture with the precision and elegance of ballet, Julia designs handmade accessories with striking geometric silhouettes in a bold palette. Everything from dyeing to cutting to sewing is done by hand, and made-to-order. The success of her new brand has been recognized by several local publications including Houstonia Magazine and the Houston Press, as well as some international publications and blogs.
During her yearlong residency at HCCC, Julia will be sewing each bag from her current collection while designing and prototyping for the next season. She will be with HCCC from September 2015 through August 2016. To learn more about her work, please visit http:/www.juliagabrielstudio.com.
