Meet The Designer: Gaelle Drevet, The Frankie Shop
I grew up in a small town in France, far removed from the glamorous world of fashion. As a child, I loved sketching dresses, but it never crossed my mind that I could have a career in fashion. My reality felt worlds away from that, so I pursued degrees in law and journalism as a safety net. Journalism, however, taught me something invaluable – the power of storytelling –a skill I’ve carried with me into my career now.
My love for fashion was sparked by the stacks of magazines I collected. My mother’s classic French style impressed me, but I quickly carved out my own, bolder, aesthetic. I vividly remember wearing yellow patent 60s-inspired shoes and an apple-green silky trench that earned me the nickname ‘La Verte’. My style was unapologetic from the start.
Music and pop culture also played a huge role in shaping my fashion outlook. Icons like Debbie Harry, Jane Birkin, Madonna, and Bianca Jagger all had a big influence on me. When I first discovered the Studio 54 era, it was a revelation – fashion became synonymous with drama, music and celebration. I used to sketch dramatic gowns, which perhaps explains my love for powerful shoulders today. Drama and standing out have always been central to my vision.
Starting The Frankie Shop was not part of any grand plan. My background was in TV production, and when visa issues complicated my return to New York, I decided to take control. A chance meeting with a friend making shoes led to the idea of bringing London’s unique retail scene – small, independent designers and curated markets – to New York. I quit my job, made 500 shirts in India, and opened a small store on the Lower East Side. It felt more like embarking on an adventure than taking a risk.
Most of my days are a whirlwind. When I’m in New York, I often start at 4am or 5am, although I’ve yet to master the early-morning gym routine. From buying and styling to overseeing newsletters, photoshoots and digital marketing, I’m deeply involved in every facet of the business. Meetings with various teams fill my schedule, and the passion I have for what I do motivates me to push forward.
The Frankie Shop is all about elevated everyday essentials with a modern, edgy twist. By playing with volumes, silhouettes, and textures, I want our pieces to feel fresh, empowering and reflective of your personal style. Confidence is everything, and how you present yourself shapes how others perceive you.
In the beginning, we were a bit of a secret. People came to us for unique pieces they couldn’t find elsewhere, and Instagram amplified that, with customers and creators styling our clothes in aspirational yet relatable ways.
Social media has been transformative for us. With over 1.5 million followers, Instagram has allowed us to connect directly with our community. I’m proud that much of our promotion features user-generated content. Seeing real people – customers and creators – styling our pieces is the most authentic representation of our brand. It empowers our community and makes them a vital part of our story.
For the next collection, I’ve focused on refining the functional pieces. We’re bringing back our beloved trenches but experimenting with shorter lengths. Sheer separates are reimagined with matching underlayers for comfort and versatility, while our suiting will be softer yet still oversized. A photo of Bruce Willis in a white suit inspired me – I wanted to capture that Miami Vice vibe.
Balancing trends with timelessness is always the goal. I interpret trends in a way that aligns with our brand’s DNA. For instance, we embraced the underwear-as-outerwear trend through culottes paired with oversized blazers, creating something bold yet wearable. Commercial success is secondary to originality; I’ve always been more interested in practicality and taking risks with silhouettes.
Some career highlights include dressing women like Demi Moore, Sigourney Weaver, and Serena Williams. One particular standout moment was creating a look for Marina Abramović’s big comeback in China. Seeing someone in The Frankie Shop never gets old; it’s a moment of pride every single time.
My personal style is a mix of simplicity and statement. I’ll often reach for a cool jacket, metallic accessories or standout shoes to elevate a look. I admire people who have a strict uniform, like Fran Lebowitz, but I prefer to mix it up – never boring, always considered. My wardrobe staples currently include a silk trench we designed for an upcoming pop-up and the Gaia coat with its oversized silhouette and dramatic shoulders.
Sustainability is a priority for us. Our drop model focuses on small, intentional collections, and minimising overproduction. We’re incorporating more eco-friendly materials, particularly in denim and cotton, and continually striving to do better.
To anyone starting a fashion brand, my advice is simple: believe in your vision and be prepared to work hard. Authenticity is key, and building a community will lead to success. Be bold, take risks and learn from failures – at least you’ll know you tried. Ultimately, fashion is about creating something meaningful, not just making money.
Looking ahead, I’m optimistic. Fashion remains a powerful form of self-expression. While trends may evolve, the desire to dress with intention and authenticity will always endure. My goal is to continue creating designs that stand the test of time and inspire confidence in those who wear them.
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