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Ashley Combs
Welcome to our How to Shop Like series, where we spotlight personalities within the fashion industry and take a deeper look at their personal relationships with fashion and how they shop—think all the best insider tips and tricks. This week we’re chatting with Mansur Gavriel founders Rachel Mansur and Floriana Gavriel.
If you haven’t heard of Rachel Mansur and Floriana Gavriel’s eponymous label Mansur Gavriel (which we’ll admit is rather unlikely at this point), you’ve definitely seen their iconic bucket bags dangling from many an arm in cities across the country. The duo cemented their sartorial credibility with that it-bag rivaling Staud’s Bissett and Wandler’s Hortensia—all staples among the fashion crowd. After launching with their bucket bag and classic tote, the two went on to release a variety of leather goods—shoes, wallets, handbags—along with a ready-to-wear line.
Both Mansur and Gavriel came from art and design backgrounds and were able to merge their love of art with a respect for superior craftsmanship and design, creating items you’ll want to keep in your closet for a lifetime—seriously, we want to live in their leather ballerinas and pastel scarves. That same design sensibility is reflected in their personal style in an array of simple, classic silhouettes that prove comfort and style are not, in fact, mutually exclusive. We caught up with the duo to discuss personal style, shopping habits, and a deep-rooted love of cashmere.
If you haven’t heard of Rachel Mansur and Floriana Gavriel’s eponymous label Mansur Gavriel (which we’ll admit is rather unlikely at this point), you’ve definitely seen their iconic bucket bags dangling from many an arm in cities across the country. The duo cemented their sartorial credibility with that it-bag rivaling Staud’s Bissett and Wandler’s Hortensia—all staples among the fashion crowd. After launching with their bucket bag and classic tote, the two went on to release a variety of leather goods—shoes, wallets, handbags—along with a ready-to-wear line.
Both Mansur and Gavriel came from art and design backgrounds and were able to merge their love of art with a respect for superior craftsmanship and design, creating items you’ll want to keep in your closet for a lifetime—seriously, we want to live in their leather ballerinas and pastel scarves. That same design sensibility is reflected in their personal style in an array of simple, classic silhouettes that prove comfort and style are not, in fact, mutually exclusive. We caught up with the duo to discuss personal style, shopping habits, and a deep-rooted love of cashmere.
Shop Rachel and Floriana’s Current Picks:
When did you first fall in love with fashion?
Rachel Mansur & Floriana Gavriel: “As we both come from art backgrounds, fashion has always been something we have been interested in. We love creative self-expression in everyday life and the care and thought that goes into tactile design.”
Why did you decide to launch your own line?
RM: “I had never owned a designer bag. When we first started working on Mansur Gavriel, there were very few brands at the contemporary price point that held a good value. We both had a personal need for functional yet high-quality, elevated bags, and this inspired us to found our label.”
FG: “Being in this world where fashion has become so fast with constantly evolving trends, I think it can be overwhelming at times. We’re not interested in keeping up with trends and have always wanted to create timeless styles to carry us through the seasons.”
How would you describe your personal style?
RM & FG: “Clean, beautiful color and material. Beautiful shapes. Comfortable and casual, yet elevated.”
Rachel Mansur & Floriana Gavriel: “As we both come from art backgrounds, fashion has always been something we have been interested in. We love creative self-expression in everyday life and the care and thought that goes into tactile design.”
Why did you decide to launch your own line?
RM: “I had never owned a designer bag. When we first started working on Mansur Gavriel, there were very few brands at the contemporary price point that held a good value. We both had a personal need for functional yet high-quality, elevated bags, and this inspired us to found our label.”
FG: “Being in this world where fashion has become so fast with constantly evolving trends, I think it can be overwhelming at times. We’re not interested in keeping up with trends and have always wanted to create timeless styles to carry us through the seasons.”
How would you describe your personal style?
RM & FG: “Clean, beautiful color and material. Beautiful shapes. Comfortable and casual, yet elevated.”
Photo: Courtesy of Mansur GavrielDo you have a uniform?
RM & FG: “Linen in the summer, cashmere in the winter.”
What do you let yourself splurge on?
RM & FG: “Cashmere!”
What has been your favorite purchase of all time?
RM & FG: “We both have beautiful paintings by contemporary artist Allison Katz. We feel very connected to her work—the color, the reference to the past and present, beautiful lines, and form.”
When designing, what factors do you keep top of mind?
RM & FG: “Our philosophy at Mansur Gavriel is to design classic yet refined silhouettes emphasizing color and materials to express a range of emotions with beauty, intention, and timelessness always at the core of the brand. Some design principles we are interested in are rich and high-quality fabrics, elegant use of materials, natural textiles, warm, natural hues combined with a strong pop of color.”
Which stores do you frequent?
RM & FG: “In NYC our favorites include Paula Rubenstein, John Derian, and in Los Angeles we love going to Tortoise General Store, Gjusta Goods, Mameg.”
RM & FG: “Linen in the summer, cashmere in the winter.”
What do you let yourself splurge on?
RM & FG: “Cashmere!”
What has been your favorite purchase of all time?
RM & FG: “We both have beautiful paintings by contemporary artist Allison Katz. We feel very connected to her work—the color, the reference to the past and present, beautiful lines, and form.”
When designing, what factors do you keep top of mind?
RM & FG: “Our philosophy at Mansur Gavriel is to design classic yet refined silhouettes emphasizing color and materials to express a range of emotions with beauty, intention, and timelessness always at the core of the brand. Some design principles we are interested in are rich and high-quality fabrics, elegant use of materials, natural textiles, warm, natural hues combined with a strong pop of color.”
Which stores do you frequent?
RM & FG: “In NYC our favorites include Paula Rubenstein, John Derian, and in Los Angeles we love going to Tortoise General Store, Gjusta Goods, Mameg.”
Photo: Courtesy of Mansur GavrielVintage or new?
RM & FG: “We love a mix of both.”
Your go-to accessories?
RM & FG: “Mansur Gavriel totes and cashmere scarves.”
What does your current WFH wardrobe look like?
RM & FG: “Cashmere sweaters, shearling house shoes, Homme Plisse by Issey Miyake, Mansur Gavriel linen shirt and pant sets.”
Who are your favorite small fashion brands of the moment?
RM & FG: “Vermeer Studio, Antipast, Extreme Cashmere, Arts & Science.”
What are the top five most-worn items in your wardrobe?
RM & FG: “Sneakers, Birkenstocks, Mansur Gavriel cashmere sweaters, vintage Prada, Charvet nightdresses.”
Photos: Courtesy of Mansur Gavriel
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RM & FG: “We love a mix of both.”
Your go-to accessories?
RM & FG: “Mansur Gavriel totes and cashmere scarves.”
What does your current WFH wardrobe look like?
RM & FG: “Cashmere sweaters, shearling house shoes, Homme Plisse by Issey Miyake, Mansur Gavriel linen shirt and pant sets.”
Who are your favorite small fashion brands of the moment?
RM & FG: “Vermeer Studio, Antipast, Extreme Cashmere, Arts & Science.”
What are the top five most-worn items in your wardrobe?
RM & FG: “Sneakers, Birkenstocks, Mansur Gavriel cashmere sweaters, vintage Prada, Charvet nightdresses.”
Photos: Courtesy of Mansur Gavriel
Want more stories like this?
A Look at Shopping & Life After Barneys New York
Carlotta Oddi on Personal Style and Launching Her Own Line
A Comprehensive Guide to Buying Vintage Leather & Shearling