Reimagining Sustainable Fashion with The House of GNG's Gabrielle Nevaeh
When artists embrace their passions, magic happens! A shining example is Gabrielle Nevaeh, an Emmy-nominated actor and producer who has turned her affections for acting, sustainability, and fashion into a multifaceted career. While you may know her from hits children's shows such as "Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai" and her viral TikTok account, Gabrielle is also a talented designer.
Gabrielle joined EMA Board Member Amber Valletta onstage at the 2024 EMA IMPACT Summit to share how her sustainable fashion brand, The House of GNG, uses repurposed materials to make chic new outfits.
We had the opportunity to chat with Gabrielle to learn more about her journey in sustainability!
We were so thrilled to have you on our sustainable fashion IMPACT panel! What does sustainable fashion mean to you, and when did you make that distinction?
Sustainable fashion represents a conscientious approach to wardrobe management, particularly in my career as an entertainer, where the demand for unique outfits is constant. It involves creatively reimagining and reworking previously worn garments, transforming them into entirely new pieces you can showcase again. This practice addresses the challenge of outfit repetition in highly photographed environments and significantly reduces textile waste and the need for new clothing production, aligning with broader environmental sustainability goals.
What is the House of GNG's approach to sustainable fashion?
The House of GNG revolutionizes sustainable fashion by transforming preloved textiles and garments into unique, wearable art pieces. Our approach ensures 100% eco-friendly production, repurposing materials that consumers might otherwise discard into one-of-a-kind creations. The House of GNG reduces waste and environmental impact and results in garments rich in character and artistic expression.
Why did you donate a portion of all proceeds to arts programs?
My middle school theatre program was a transformative experience that shaped who I am today, highlighting the crucial role of arts education in personal development. With arts programs across America facing defunding, children across the country are deprived of similar opportunities for artistic expression and exploration. By donating a portion of our proceeds to arts programs, we at The House of GNG aim to preserve these vital educational experiences for future generations.
Who are some of your sustainable fashion icons?
Remake is an organization that I admire. Remake's involvement with the "Brandy Hellville & The Cult of Fast Fashion" documentary was riveting and eye-opening for my generation. It inspired me to dive deeper into the brands that I wear and choose to support. Additionally, Reformation is a brand that I enjoy as it incorporates sustainable practices into each step of its creation process.
What advice do you have for anyone interested in starting a sustainable fashion brand?
Research is pivotal when starting a sustainable clothing brand. I would recommend educating yourself on sustainable fabrics and materials and eco-friendly production practices to build a solid foundation for your brand. Furthermore, evaluate the why behind your brand. How does sustainability relate to your journey? Why is creating a cleaner world through fashion important to you? Let the personal goals of your brand be the driving force and a guiding beacon of your company, as this will add authenticity and honesty to your brand.
Finally, what are you currently working on, and how can people stay up to date with everything you do (which is a lot)?
The House of GNG is releasing another collection of garments centered around a "business casual" aesthetic. This new wave will feature repurposed men's dress shirts and reimagined ties. Our garments are unisex and a beautiful upgrade to our supporters' wardrobes. In addition to my advocacy, season two of "Gremlins: The Wild Batch" will premiere on Max on October 3rd. You can stay updated with my upcoming projects through my Instagram and TikTok @gabriellenevaeh.
Learn more by watching Gabrielle's IMPACT panel!
Written by Jay Jasinski, EMA Managing Director, Marketing & Campaigns