The fashion industry is built on ambition, creativity, and a whole lot of hustle—both on and off the clock. My 9-to-5 / 5-to-9 offers a firsthand look at how FSF Scholars, Alumni, and industry veterans navigate their careers, from thriving in full-time roles to turning side projects into something more.
Today, we check in with Gabrielle Ribot, a 2025 Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholar and FIT senior who’s already making her mark. After designing a collar that walked in Aknvas’s Fall/Winter 2025 NYFW show, Gabrielle landed a coveted design internship at Carolina Herrera, where she’s currently working on the house’s Spring 2026 collection. From her ATL roots to her creative lens and growing industry experience, Gabrielle is crafting a career grounded in bold design, technical skill, and personal style.
Hear more from Gabrielle in the video below, where she takes us through her day at the Carolina Herrera office, fabric shopping in the Garment District, and the opening night of House of Craft x Dior.
Name: Gabrielle Ribot
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Current City: New York, NY
Job Title & Company: Design Intern, Carolina Herrera
College & Graduation Year: Fashion Institute of Technology, 2025
FSF Case Study Scholar Year: 2025
Standout FSF Moment: Attending the FSF Gala. Being in the room with some of the most influential figures in the industry was incredibly affirming. It gave me the confidence to take up space, build new connections, and keep moving forward in my journey.
Wardrobe check: Working in fashion means showing up with intention. My go-to workwear look is always something chic and polished that reflects who I am and the industry I want to be part of.
A typical morning: I start my day with water and fashion news—staying current helps me sharpen my creative instincts. My commute soundtrack right now is all 80s and 90s dance music. It sets the tone for a high-energy day.
Once I’m in the office, I check in with the team to align on what’s ahead. Clear communication helps us stay focused and collaborative.
From left to right, backstage at Aknvas Fall/Winter 2025 NYFW show; Gabrielle’s collar on the runway. Photo courtesy of @post_____modern
Design in progress: Most of my time is spent working closely with the design team. We’re a small group, which gives me the opportunity to contribute to different parts of the process depending on what’s needed. Right now, we’re developing the Spring 2026 collection, which is set to debut in Madrid. It’s been exciting to see how a large-scale show comes together, from early sketches to fittings and final touches.
Midday reset: I usually take lunch in the break room, catching up with teammates or chatting with others in the office. It’s a nice pause in the middle of a busy day.
Afternoon focus: My afternoons vary. Sometimes I pick up where I left off, and other times I’ll take on something new depending on what the team needs. No two days look exactly the same. One of the most rewarding parts of the role is working in the atelier. Seeing garments made in-house, right in front of you, is a powerful reminder of the craftsmanship behind every collection.
Closing out the day: Before I leave, I make sure my tasks are in order and that the team has what they need from me. After hours, I often attend FSF events or focus on creative side projects. I’m always thinking about what I want to build next.
📲 Follow Gabrielle’s journey: @layaikes | LinkedIn | Portfolio
Photo courtesy of @layaikes
