Gabe Gordon and Timothy Gibbons: Bringing ’80s Figure Skaters and Vintage Americana to the Runway
At a recent fashion show, Gabe Gordon and Timothy Gibbons showcased a collection that was a nod to ’80s figure skaters, school girls, and vintage Americana. The designers drew inspiration from a story they created about a team of ice skaters in college on a training retreat in the early ’80s. Backstage, Gordon explained, “We were thinking about the bunks they were in at the training camp and the starchy wool and decaying mattresses and fabrics.” This vision translated into their tailoring, with distressed flannels used to create skating-inspired uniforms lined with taffeta, showcasing their penchant for experimentation.
As up-and-coming designers in New York, Gordon and Gibbons find that many of their customers are their own friends. While their previous collections were focused on generating buzz, this season they took a more pragmatic approach. “We’re trying to start thinking about the brand in a business way as well, and to let that be a part of the process without feeling restrictive,” said Gibbons. They have identified colder weather as a key selling point, with requests from friends for longer versions of their scrunched bolero alpaca knits. This season, they deliver with full-length cozy campfire knits. For those who prefer to show some skin, cropped versions are also available, albeit with a warning about potential frostbite, a playful nod to the collection’s title.
With a focus on business growth, the designers are honing in on their target customers beyond their immediate circle. Gordon aims to redefine the image of the American girl next door. “I was in awe of the athletes and the girls in high school,” he shared. “I wanted to be that girl and dress like her but I’m a boy and I’m gay. But I hope that the new generation of these girls are softer, weirder, and definitely gayer. Definitely always powerful.” With this empowering mindset, Gordon and Gibbons are poised for continued success in the fashion industry.
