From Dolce & Gabbana to His Own Label: An Interview with Marco Gabrielli

Creating a dress is a long and complex process. What is the most exciting moment for you, from the first sketch to the final dress?

In my creative process, there is no less intense moment than another: each phase has its value, its importance, its energy. However, if I had to indicate two that encapsulate the essence of my work, I would say the first sketch and the final fitting.

The first is the beginning of the dream, the vision taking shape. The second is its realization, the moment when everything comes together and reveals itself before the eyes, with authentic emotion.

If you had to describe the essence of a dress signed Marco Gabrielli Atelier in three words, which would you choose?

Tailored, Unique, Eternal

In the bridal world, tradition and innovation are often discussed. How do you manage to combine respect for classic tailoring with a modern language?

Two aspects must be distinguished: tailoring is an executive technique composed of processes and rules. Sometimes novelties are created, but an attentive client can understand on their own what haute couture means. For example, dresses that do not wrinkle near the seams, carefully crafted hems of both the bodice and the skirt, embroideries have matching figures, and so on.

Modern language, on the other hand, is concerned more style and trends. Reinterpreting past dresses with current lines is a widespread trend today. However, I remain more focused on creating a unique bespoke dress that expresses all the characteristics of the client's personality, rather than making them a trendy garment that may not suit the client.

Is there a possibility for clients to have tailoring assistance on the wedding day?

Since I opened my atelier, I have always believed that for a bride the experience does not start with the dress, but from that first moment she crosses the threshold, until the wedding day. That day is a whirlwind of emotions, where anxiety and happiness intertwine. That's why I chose to be present there too, beside her. Because the tailor, who for months has been a confidant and guide, must also be there when everything comes to life. Upon request, our atelier personally takes care of bringing the dress to the wedding venue, handling the final ironing, and assisting the bride in dressing. I then accompany her throughout the ceremony, so she can always shine in the perfection of her dress.

During the shootings, I interface with makeup artists, wedding planners, and photographers, to coordinate every detail and make that moment truly unique, impeccable, and harmonious... like a well-made seam. I am a professional, of course. But on that day, I am also the friend every bride would want by her side.

The wedding dress is the symbol of a unique moment in a person's life. How do you translate the bride's emotions into a dress?

Once I understand the client's desires, I put everything I know about my art into play, because for me being a tailor also means being, in part, an artist. Through the choice of fabrics, and the study of the model and processes, I manage to translate a desire into reality.

It's a journey that time different, fascinating, unique, and unrepeatable. And then comes that magical moment: when the client, at the first fitting of the canvas, looks in the mirror and gets emotional, maybe with a tear running down her face. It's a profound emotion that we experience together. An invaluable moment that reminds me every time why I do this job with so much passion.

Was there a particular moment when you realized you wanted to start your own atelier?

I have always dreamed of it deep down, even though for a long time I feared it might be too big a step. Then, in 2021, a series of events led me, almost naturally, to find my atelier. From the beginning, I wanted to give it a well-defined imprint: to create timeless garments characterized by absolute tailoring quality. Because, even though today I am the couturier, in my heart I remain a tailor. I can't imagine a day without touching a fabric, holding scissors, or taking needle and thread to make that stitch that makes a difference. In tailoring, everything must pass through my head, my hands, and, above all, my heart.

My work is pure passion, just like my clothes. I love creating garments that recall the taste of past times, that enhance the forms of the female body, and that convey sophisticated but never ostentatious elegance. I want every woman who wears one of my creations to express her individuality, her sense of beauty, and timeless elegance. My philosophy is simple: to give every woman the chance to feel like a princess.

Working alone, how do you manage to maintain a balance between creativity and running the atelier?

My day never ends because tailoring is my passion. And when you live with passion, it's never enough. During the day, I follow and coordinate all the activities of the atelier. In moments of pause, I might sketch a new garment, study the fabrics proposed by suppliers, do sewing or embroidery tests, or update myself by watching fashion shows and presentations. But it's in the evening, when the world slows down, that my creative flair truly frees itself. Often, I find myself drawing until late at night, without realizing the time passing.

Exceptionalness arises from a detail, a fold of the fabric, an unexpected process. It's pure creation, and it's precisely this that fills me with energy every day.

You had the opportunity to work for a prestigious fashion house like Dolce & Gabbana. What was the most valuable lesson you learned from this experience?

I was fortunate to be placed in the tailoring department of Mr. Dolce's style office, an experience that allowed me to work closely with the style, pattern makers, and the most experienced seamstresses of the Maison. From them, I learned a lot: from the in-depth knowledge of fabrics to the most sophisticated processes, to the art of haute couture.

Additionally, I had the opportunity to actively participate in events and fashion shows, learning how they are organized and managed in detail. Today I consider myself a complete tailor, with all the skills necessary to professionally and excellently handle every phase of tailoring work.

Check out: Bridal Fabric Guide: Choosing the Right Material for Your Gown

Your atelier offers an exclusive and highly personalized service. Can you tell us how the bespoke experience develops for the most demanding clients?

When I meet a client in my atelier, the first step is always listening: I try to understand her desires, and together we explore what she would like to wear. We try on some sample garments to imagine what her dress could be like, to identify together the details that enhance her and make her feel herself. At this point, I create a sketch of the model, to offer her an overall vision of her outfit. Then the fabrics, embroideries, laces, and all the elements that will bring the dress to life are chosen.

The preparation of the test canvas follows, built on her measurements: in this phase, fit and proportions are checked, any imperfections are corrected, and everything is refined with the utmost care. Only then is the final dress made, in the chosen fabric. Finally, the last fitting: and there she is, a new princess ready for her special day. Choosing to rely on a tailor to create a bespoke dress is a 360-degree experience: sensory, visual, emotional, and intimate.

The couturier becomes almost a confidant, a point of reference, who gives security and presence. How many times do you open the wardrobe and think: "I have nothing to wear"? Having a dress made just for you, timeless and perfectly yours, completely changes the way you present yourself to the world. And on every occasion, it represents you.

Your work is entirely artisanal and meticulously detailed. What are the fundamental steps in creating a bespoke garment?

If I had to summarize my process in a few words, I would say that everything starts from listening and understanding the client's desires. From there, the sketch of the dress takes shape, the fabrics are carefully chosen, and the pattern and test canvas are created, which is studied first on the mannequin and then directly on the client's body.

Then comes the cutting of the fabric, the making of the dress, and all the additional processes — such as embroidery, applications, and tailoring finishes — until the garment is completed. Everything concludes with the final fitting and impeccable ironing. For me, what is truly essential is absolute attention to every single step, meticulously detailed. Because true luxury does not lie in opulence, but in the perfection of a simple detail, made with mastery and love.