Alexandra Gabris

Alexandra, espy’s budding little clothing designer, came to espy determined to find more than just a retail job. After graduating with honors from the Art Institute of Vancouver in 2010 from the Fashion Design and Merchandising program, Alexandra moved back to Calgary, where she was born and raised. She was looking for a place in Calgary to begin her career in the fashion industry where she could find the balance between family and fashion. Espy is the place that gives her the opportunity to use her skills as a designer and a stylist in a positive environment that is fashion forward, but still at home where she can be with her family.

When Alexandra was in middle school, she started making her own clothes. She would rip up t-shirts and paint them with squiggles, while she experimented with dying her hair at least six different colours. She wasn’t really into trends until later in high school as she found her graphic, self-made, one-of-a-kind tees made her stand out, feel different, and give her the chance to express her artistic side at a young age.

Alexandra is espy’s sweetheart. When you are working with Alexandra at espy, it’s like shopping with your favourite sister or your sweetest daughter. She is trendy, girly, and timeless. She loves her ruffles, lace, buttons, seams – anything with intricate details. She keeps her look classic and always looks cute in her favourite neutral colours and jeans or a pretty, feminine dress. Alexandra is excited to have espy as her first enjoyable dip into the working world of the fashion industry because she can express her own knowledge about fashion and fit to clients. Alexandra believes putting on a cute outfit is a great step towards feeling better and even starting each day with an optimistic outlook. She hopes espy’s clients leave with advice about how to put their looks together because she wants the clientele to feel just as good as she does herself when she puts on figure flattering, beautifully designed, and well-crafted clothing.

Alexandra moved to Vancouver in September of 2008 after graduating high school and started her intense two year, eight semester program at the Art Institute. Late in high school, Alexandra won first place in Canada in the Passion for Fashion design competition for her Titanic inspired gown. She says she never could have done it without the help of her mom who pushed her to finish her difficult design. At the time, she did not have the confidence in construction and sewing that she now has after winning the competition and completing her program in Vancouver.

By graduation, Alexandra had created a thirty piece catalogue and three piece collection for the school’s fashion show as part of Vancouver Fashion Week. Her inspiration for her collection was her own version of elegance and romance. She utilized creamy laces, taupe and brown silks, ruffles and sweetheart necklines. Her favourite part of her schooling was the design aspect because although it kept her up until two in the morning most nights, it allowed her to express her creativity and end up with a finished product she could be proud of.

With Alexandra’s background in fashion design, learning the true construction of clothing and the qualities of different fabrics, she knows how clothes should fit. She can answer questions about why a dart is placed there or how in some cases tailoring a dress or a pair of jeans can make the fit that much better. Alexandra’s program gave her the tools to understand body fit, and espy gives her the opportunity to convey that understanding to clients. If it doesn’t fit, Alexandra’s rule is “you are not allowed to buy it!” She knows you won’t wear it and if you are shopping at espy, there is something better on the rack, or in the collection of shirts Alex has already picked out for you try.