LA’s style game has evolved considerably since the heyday of bleached blondes, Botox, and big hair, and there’s now a richness and variety that spans the entire city. We set out to document LA style now by profiling some of the city’s most stylish people.
Next up: Gabriela Tena, an LA-based stylist and designer of GypseaLemonade, her clothing line. Born and raised in Spain and California, her unique style is vibrant, Bohemian, and flamenco-inspired. She tells us how it all comes together.
Next up: Gabriela Tena, an LA-based stylist and designer of GypseaLemonade, her clothing line. Born and raised in Spain and California, her unique style is vibrant, Bohemian, and flamenco-inspired. She tells us how it all comes together.
GABRIELA TENA
Designer + Stylist
THE STANDARD: How would you describe your style?
GABRIELA TENA: My style is very eclectic because I was born in Spain but raised in California. It is a mixture of classic European and sun-soaked Bohemian.
Who and what are your style influences?
At a time when everyone was dressing the same (jean skirts, Ugg boots, Lacoste polos, True Religion jeans), my mom always told me to be different. I will never forget the one time she told me to wear this beautiful long pink skirt with this white cropped top. I got to the school event and every girl made fun of me, but the boys thought my outfit was cool. From that day on I wore clothes as a vehicle of self-expression instead of trying to fit in.
Also, growing up I spent my summers in the south of Spain watching flamenco dancers. I am infatuated with how the clothes and music go hand in hand. Their long skirts, bright colors, leather chokers, and big red flowers in their hair are pieces that will always be on-trend to me.
Is there such a thing as LA style in your experience?
Yes, totally. I think LA style has become more of a thing, especially in the past few years. I think the weather here has a lot to do with it, because we show more skin and have developed a Bohemian sense of style, long skirts with slits, low cut dresses, and cropped tops. The LA brands that come to mind that continue to help develop that style are Flynnskye, Stone Cold Fox, LPA the Label, and Reformation.
Prized style item?
My great grandmother’s gold belt.
How does LA inform your style?
I love how casual LA is. I think that is why there is a huge denim world here. I love dressing up a pair of jeans for a night out with some heels and statement accessories.
How has your style evolved over time?
I take more risks. I don't give a crap about what other people think. I started my own spring/summer capsule collection this past summer. It’s been fun growing and evolving as a designer. As a stylist, there are certain pieces that you just can't find anywhere so it’s been amazing creating those.
What was a style choice you regretted?
Juicy Couture track suit (Sorry, Juicy!). I bought my first and only Juicy suit on Ebay because my parents would not buy it for me. My mom always thought it was so tacky. She was right, as usual!
How is your style an extension of your personality?
I am a proud Spaniard and wear a lot of ruffles, long skirts, and bright colors to show the Spanish side of me. I think it is so boring when everyone tries to be the same. I wear a lot of bold, strong colorful, daring pieces. Also, learning about different cultures fascinates me and has always influenced my sense of fashion.
#1 item on your wish list?
Anything from the Johanna Ortiz Spring Ready-To-Wear 2018 Collection.
Style Pet Peeve?
Ugg boots!
GABRIELA TENA: My style is very eclectic because I was born in Spain but raised in California. It is a mixture of classic European and sun-soaked Bohemian.
Who and what are your style influences?
At a time when everyone was dressing the same (jean skirts, Ugg boots, Lacoste polos, True Religion jeans), my mom always told me to be different. I will never forget the one time she told me to wear this beautiful long pink skirt with this white cropped top. I got to the school event and every girl made fun of me, but the boys thought my outfit was cool. From that day on I wore clothes as a vehicle of self-expression instead of trying to fit in.
Also, growing up I spent my summers in the south of Spain watching flamenco dancers. I am infatuated with how the clothes and music go hand in hand. Their long skirts, bright colors, leather chokers, and big red flowers in their hair are pieces that will always be on-trend to me.
Is there such a thing as LA style in your experience?
Yes, totally. I think LA style has become more of a thing, especially in the past few years. I think the weather here has a lot to do with it, because we show more skin and have developed a Bohemian sense of style, long skirts with slits, low cut dresses, and cropped tops. The LA brands that come to mind that continue to help develop that style are Flynnskye, Stone Cold Fox, LPA the Label, and Reformation.
Prized style item?
My great grandmother’s gold belt.
How does LA inform your style?
I love how casual LA is. I think that is why there is a huge denim world here. I love dressing up a pair of jeans for a night out with some heels and statement accessories.
How has your style evolved over time?
I take more risks. I don't give a crap about what other people think. I started my own spring/summer capsule collection this past summer. It’s been fun growing and evolving as a designer. As a stylist, there are certain pieces that you just can't find anywhere so it’s been amazing creating those.
What was a style choice you regretted?
Juicy Couture track suit (Sorry, Juicy!). I bought my first and only Juicy suit on Ebay because my parents would not buy it for me. My mom always thought it was so tacky. She was right, as usual!
How is your style an extension of your personality?
I am a proud Spaniard and wear a lot of ruffles, long skirts, and bright colors to show the Spanish side of me. I think it is so boring when everyone tries to be the same. I wear a lot of bold, strong colorful, daring pieces. Also, learning about different cultures fascinates me and has always influenced my sense of fashion.
#1 item on your wish list?
Anything from the Johanna Ortiz Spring Ready-To-Wear 2018 Collection.
Style Pet Peeve?
Ugg boots!
