Meet Designer Gabrielle Trappe

We're delighted to introduce you to Gabrielle Trappe, designer of the new Weddings Volume I album, which premiered in stores this week and is winning raves from dealers and brides.

How long have you worked at William Arthur? 
I have worked at William Arthur for 2 years.

What are some recent and current projects?
 I recently finished designing the new Weddings Volume I album, which contains a large selection of William Arthur’s most traditional and classic wedding designs, including the exceedingly popular Beaded Border and Pantheon designs. Prior to that I designed Weddings Volume II, my first album for William Arthur. My next project is a more fashion-forward wedding album that will include a lot of contemporary designs.

What do you like most about your job? I love the tactile aspect of my job - working with rich papers, ribbons, and linings.

What is your current obsession? 
Woody Allen! I recently watched a documentary about him for the second time. He is one of my all-time favorite directors and comics, so lately I've been reading through some of his interviews and old jokes. He is a funny, funny guy.

Inspiring artist? I am incredibly inspired by my artistic mother, Joan Barrows. Having painted in watercolor most of her life, she's been working with oils over the past few years (paintings shown below). Through dedicated practice, self-education and natural talent, her work and artistic development are inspiring!


Can't live without: Right now that would be my space heater and my sheepskin. We are living in an old and minimally insulated beach house where staying warm in the winter is proving difficult.

What is the last thing you bought? I recently bought some delicious blue cheese from The Cheese Iron in Scarborough Maine.

Most precious belonging: My engagement ring (below, left), a family heirloom recently given to me by my grandmother (Her and my grandfather's initials and their wedding date are engraved inside). The stone is an old mine-cut diamond from the late 1800’s that was passed down from my great, great grandmother to my grandfather, who used it to design the engagement ring for my grandmother in the 1940’s.

Museum pick: The Belvedere Art Museum in Vienna (below, right).

Favorite shape: Rhombus.



What's one thing about design that you already knew at age 18? It is helpful to always keep a sketchbook handy.

Photo credits: Woody Allen: thefilmtempleblogspot.com; Belvedere Art Museum: shutterstock.com; Rhombus: wikipedia.org