In The Essentials | Gabriela Zim Kremer

INTRODUCING IN THE ESSENTIALS: A series of interviews with long-time friends and customers, photographed in their favored pieces from our core collection of timeless, finely crafted essentials.

Shot at our Design Studio | Showroom in Berkeley

MEET GABRIELA ZIM KREMER

Tell us a little about yourself and your background.

I’m a Bay Area baby, born and bred. Storytelling, art, literature and travel are part of my family’s lexicon. I am a reader, a walker, a sometimes writer, a sometimes dancer, a friend and a mother. I work as a palliative care nurse and have the privilege of hearing daily how my patients have made meaning in their lives. My deepest meaning and joy come from my family, my husband Dave and two children Isabelle and Theo.

 

How did you first discover Erica Tanov?

My daughter worked in luxury consignment throughout high school and picked out pieces she thought I’d love, almost always Erica Tanov. The clothes both inspire and channel the beauty inside.

 

In three words, how would you describe your personal style? 

Texture and movement and elegance.

 

What pieces do you find yourself most often reaching for in your closet?

The Patti tops and Darby pants, matching the color and textures to the occasion and my mood. 

And I’m almost always wearing a scarf, for adornment or warmth.

What kind of clothing feels most like you?

Natural fibers that move. I love cotton, especially poplin and khadi, for how it feels on my skin and how much it breathes. Honestly when I buy a piece of clothing after having a great conversation with someone in the store or a friend I’m shopping with, those connections resonate and the stories around the piece are woven into my experience each time I wear it.

 

Can you describe an outfit you feel best in?

There are many! 

Recently I wore the Tynan dress in black cotton over Soren pants with gold flats and big beaten gold hoops inherited from my mom. I usually go for layered neutrals, with a little shimmer, a little “zing.” 

The other night I put on a Simone silk charmeuse slip in a rich copper with a V neck pullover sweater, short heeled sandals and a draped brass lariat necklace from my daughter. I had to do a little twirl as we went out, just to revel in the movement and feel of the silk.

Where do you go to find beauty or feel inspired?

I love museums–especially small ones–and I need to be out in nature on a regular basis. I’m a voracious reader and passionate people-watcher so cafe time in Paris for me is where the simple fun of human interaction and dressing well for yourself and others all come together. 

 

Do you have any upcoming travels planned? What are your favored travel essentials?

We’ll be visiting our daughter in Edinburgh and our son in Sydney, Australia this year, they inherited the travel bug. I’m a ruthless carry-on only packer so light, layered and multi-use are my requirements. There are always some Erica Tanov slips, Pima cotton sweaters, at least one Elke clutch and I just realized the Eliot wallet fits a passport (or two!) perfectly.