STYLE PROFILE
GABRIELLE MARCECA
The Way She Wears It
Share this article
Gabrielle Marceca is a New York-based stylist whose work sits at the intersection of cinematic storytelling and refined minimalism. A native New Yorker with family roots in tailoring and film, her sensibility is shaped by structure, atmosphere, and a studied sense of ease. After graduating from FIT, Gabrielle began her career at W Magazine and Harper's Bazaar, later assisting Vanessa Traina and honing a distinct styling voice.
Her styling spans editorial, campaign, and runway, with clients including Chanel, Khaite, Toteme, COS, and Costa Brazil, and editorial work featured in The Gentlewoman, Holiday, Double, and Sixteen Journal. Whether working with photographers like Craig McDean, Collier Schorr, or Rafael Pavarotti, or curating Francisco Costa's visual biography 555, Gabrielle brings a precise yet poetic lens to everything she touches.
Here, she reflects on the wardrobe pieces that ground her, the visual language that inspires her, and the refined instincts that guide her work.
personal STYLE IS AN EVOLUTION
My style is a real mix that continues to evolve as I get older. I'm most drawn to exaggerated shapes in shirting and outerwear, paired with a sexier top and low-slung skirt or trouser. I love mixing RTW and vintage—a Phoebe Philo shirt with a trouser from Goodwill, or a Khaite leather jacket over a vintage Prada dress. I also like to incorporate a bit of grit; it feels fitting for someone who grew up in New York. And maybe a T-shirt from childhood—they've aged surprisingly well. For me, clothing is all about nostalgia fused with modernity.
Who are your go-to brands?
Phoebe Philo, The Row, Khaite, Lemaire, Charvet, and Miu Miu. I love layering in underpinnings from J.Crew, Calvin Klein, and Flore Flore . My favorite bags are from Savette.
When it comes to vintage, I'm always searching for Tom Ford for Gucci Prada, Yves's Saint Laurent, and Nicolas Ghesquière-era Balenciaga. An outfit feels most rewarding when there's a vintage element.
What jewelry, watches, or accessories do you wear consistently?
My favorite jewelry includes vintage Hermès, Repossi, Gala Colivet Dennison, Cartier, Ana Khouri, and a few family heirlooms. I love discovering vintage gems—recently, I found an incredible silver ring from the 1940s at the oldest café in Sicily, which doubles as an antique shop.
What clothes make you feel most like you?
The pieces that feel most like me strike a balance between masculine and feminine—a vintage baseball tee, a great trouser from The Row, a sweater from Phoebe Philo, or a '90s Prada skirt. Khaite jackets are my guilty pleasure—they're the best.
In spring/summer, I sometimes get around by motorcycle, so dressing for that is its own thing. I love long shorts, sporty sandals, and a leather jacket.
Any tips you offer clients on getting dressed?
While I love defining a style uniform, I think it's important to stay experimental. People can become so attached to their look that they stop trying new things. I find joy in building characters through clothes. That said, the key to getting dressed is feeling confident in what you're wearing. Some pieces I love just don't work for me—I'm only 5'0", after all. The sweet spot is a look that feels both aspirational and comfortable. Also, I swear by a strong belt: favorites include a big-buckle Calvin Klein belt from the mid-2000s, a Khaite silver-studded one, and a vintage distressed brown Prada belt from a shop in Paris that sadly closed during COVID.
“While I love defining a style uniform, I think it's important to stay experimental.”
STYLE INSPIRATIONS
Where do your style references come from? Who are you most inspired by?
My mom and grandmother have been huge style inspirations. My mom is very feminine; my grandmother wore a suit for every occasion—sewing at home, bowling, cooking, playing poker. She had the same suit in 12 colors, always styled with a leather loafer. Growing up, my mom was single and dating, and styling her before dates was the most fun. My brother's a screenwriter, so film has also shaped my references—especially NYC-based movies like 9½ Weeks, Kids, Three Days of the Condor, After Hours, Rear Window, A Perfect Murder, and of course Annie Hall.
Balenciaga
Fall 2003 balenciaga by nicolas ghesquière shearling jacket
$3,500
DÉHANCHE
Mija Black Belt
$250
Céline
Céline by phoebe philo marled sweater
$850
Balenciaga
Fall 2003 balenciaga by nicolas ghesquière shearling jacket
$3,500
DÉHANCHE
Mija Black Belt
$250
Céline
Céline by phoebe philo marled sweater
$850
CURRENTLY SHOPPING
How do you wear and shop for vintage?
My vintage journey started in 10th grade when a friend took me around Williamsburg. I loved imagining the stories behind the clothes. A few all-time favorites: Phoebe Philo for Chloé black flare trousers (I wear them weekly), a chocolate brown silk Tom Ford for Gucci cargo pencil skirt, and a men’s vintage striped Charvet shirt I found—with my initials on it!
I’m constantly searching for Tom Ford-era Gucci, Prada (especially Spring 1999), YSL, Miu Miu, Phoebe Philo for Céline or Chloé, and JPG. Favorite shops include Resee, Lara Kolleji, 10ft Stella by Single Stella Dallas, Desert Vintage, Scout, and Preclothed. I also love military surplus.
Recently, I worked with Francisco Costa on a book using the Calvin Klein archive, which sparked a new obsession with finding my favorite Calvin pieces.
What was your latest purchase?
I just bought the Lemaire Shoulder Gear Bag in Paris and absolutely love it. What I didn't buy—but regret trying on—is the Prada pleated rush-stitch skirt with a brown leather belt. I can't stop thinking about it.
Who's on your radar right now? Who feels relevant?
What feels relevant today is staying true to your brand identity while evolving and pushing forward. If a brand can do both—remain distinct and still experiment—that's the sweet spot. I'm excited about Renaissance Renaissance, All-In, HodaKova, Judy Turner, Marie Adam-Leenaerdt, Vertigo, and Savette.
“What feels relevant today is staying true to your brand identity while evolving and pushing forward. If a brand can do both—remain distinct and still experiment—that's the sweet spot.”
What are you packing?
My must-pack summer staple is a GAP sarong from 1997 that my mom passed down to me. I'm also bringing swimwear from Toteme and J.Crew, a Phoebe Philo for Céline kaftan (bought in Soho the day before the store closed), Oliver Peoples x Khaite sunglasses, Gardenheir recycled fisherman sandals, and vintage Prada grommet sandals in butter. For carry-on, I love my Holiday Magazine x J.Crew tote—it fits everything.
Full transparency: I'm a messy packer. My goal is to master the rolling method by summer.
BEAUTY ROUTINE:
Favorite die-for beauty products and your general approach to beauty?
Biologique Recherche Lait VIP O2, Macrene Actives Lip Filler, Valmont Prime Renewing Pack, Nécessaire Body Wash, and Verden D'Orangerie Hand Wash.
I like to start or end my day with Pilates, followed by a pot of Bellocq tea. I usually call my mom every other morning. I get my color done at Suite Caroline (they're amazing) and go to Hanare in Brooklyn for head spa treatments. My go-to fragrance is Costa Brazil Aroma.