Gabriel Couture at Firefly, One Galle Face for couture clothing

Gabriel Couture by Anusha David debuted with an ultra-feminine, fairytale bridal collection at the Lovi Ceylon ‘Brides and Grooms of Sri Lanka Reimagined’ presentation and she will be showcasing her creations exclusively at Firefly, a one-of-a-kind boutique, the brainchild of Krishani George, located at the second floor of One Galle Face.

Gabriel’s creations will be showcased at Firefly both this weekend and the next and interested customers looking only for the best bespoke garments ranging from casual wear to office wear, extravagant party wear and bridals can contact Anusha for individual appointments.

Firefly which opened its doors in December 2020 has Krishani George as the driving force behind this beautifully-appointed store which caters to the discerning client who does not want to duplicate their clothes but is looking for something exclusive.

“Krishani only stocks local brands and is passionate about promoting local brands who match up to Firefly’s image. She will not stock designs which are duplicated in other stores and is passionate about quality, hence Firefly is a perfect fit for Gabriel Couture,” says Anusha.

“I believe in quality, perfection and never accepting second best, which is why I have succeeded and I see Anusha who presented four of her original creations in February this year has at last fulfilled her dream of having her own couture label,” said Krishani.

Why Gabriel? “My father’s name was Gabriel and he was just the most amazing, magical, person in my life. He would always say I could achieve anything I set my sights on and encouraged me in whatever I wanted to do, except climbing trees, riding bicycles, driving and going in the sun, which were taboo as far as a traditional Indian father was concerned. It’s only fitting that I name my dream after him!” said Anusha.

Anusha has always been passionate about all things beautiful and exotic. “I have always adored clothes. As a little tot though I never played with dolls, it was always animals for me and I had a myriad pets ranging from dogs, cats, a monkey, a goat, birds, etc., but I would spend hours creating what to a seven year old was couture clothing for my vast collection of paper dolls, something all little girls in the 1960s had an abundance of. I had boxes and boxes of paper dolls and their outfits which ranged from playwear to ball gowns and saris. A good part of my day was devoted to designing clothes for my paper dolls and this continued till I was almost 15.”

Gabriel is very much a couture label and each design will be unique, taking into account the client’s personality, the occasion, body shape and mindset. “I will not duplicate any design – my clients can be assured of that. Bridals, evening wear, power suits, day wear, resort wear, Gabriel will cater to all of it with the best of bespoke clothing.”

As for future plans, Anusha hopes to have her first fashion show no sooner the pandemic abates. “My very first fashion show will feature a range of couture with the theme being ‘Endangered Species’. All clothes will depict the colours of feathers and pelts of endangered animals, birds and reptiles, as well as plants, I have already started designing and all proceeds will go towards animal welfare my other passion.”

“Never ever give up on your dreams. It’s never too late to achieve them. As written by English poet William Ernest Henley in his immortal poem Invictus, ‘I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.’”

Visit Firefly for an appointment for the ultimate in bespoke, couture clothing.