WHERE DOES INSPIRATION COME FROM?
Inspiration exists in many different forms and processes for each individual. Being inspired can’t be categorized into a single creative process, it’s different and often complex for everyone. However, inspiration can be seen as a combination of knowledge, taste, and what your surroundings provide. That combination gives creatives the freedom to explore, play, and imagine – to truly be inspired and create.
In my mind, there was no better way to develop this article than through a conversation with one of the most inspiring and creative minds I’ve had the pleasure to not only meet and befriend, but also work closely with – someone who helped me understand what inspiration truly means from a different perspective.
Gabriela and I met four years ago, though it feels like yesterday when I first applied to work at her fashion and leather goods brand based in Barcelona, Gabriel for Sach. I remember it perfectly: applying, having our first call, and eventually meeting at the store, where we ended up talking for two hours. To this day, I don’t know how Gabriela felt about that first met, but for me, it felt meant to be. At the time, I was in a very different place, looking for a change that would allow me to learn about the creative side of an emerging fashion brand. All I could think about was getting that opportunity.
She did a lot, from designing and sourcing to orchestrating the team and shaping the brand’s direction. Even when things got difficult and demanding, the results were what truly mattered – and with that came memories I’ll always carry.
Gabriela’s creative path began years ago with the desire to create something that didn’t yet exist in the market – bags that not only spoke for themselves but combined versatility, practicality, and style all at once. To achieve that, she created Gabriel for Sach, which has since evolved into something much bigger than a leather goods brand.
The project became the materialization of her ideas into reality and a perfect balance of effortlessness, durability, and versatility.
Her understanding of inspiration comes from the surroundings, from finding beauty and meaning in what’s around her without overthinking the creative process itself. So that, for her, design isn’t an obligation but a necessary part of life, something that can come alive from the spark of a spontaneous moment.
Gabriela often incorporates elements from outside the fashion world, bringing a breath of fresh air to her creations and uncovering new needs and ideas without even seeking them. Incorporating colors seen in everyday life into palettes and capturing images that might later open the door to new creations.
Talking to Gabriela showed me that inspiration doesn’t always come from seeking it, but from being open to what surrounds us. Sometimes, inspiration is simply the quiet moment when an idea meets possibility.
