Eric Gaskins New York fashion designer Country: USA

Biography of Eric Gaskins

Eric Gaskins, a fashion designer based in New York, has tasted success, although perhaps not to the extent he deserves. Born in Germany and raised in Groton, Massachusetts, Gaskins attended Lawrence Academy before completing his degree in Fine Arts at Kenyon College. He then moved to Paris, where he gained practical skills and invaluable experience in the fashion industry. Returning to the United States, Gaskins continued to learn from prominent figures in the fashion world, including internships with Hubert Givenchy, Koos Van Den Akker, Bob Evans, and Scott Barrie.

After acquiring extensive knowledge and experience, Gaskins finally ventured into establishing his own label in New York City, where he currently resides and works. His design philosophy revolves around creating simple clothing without unnecessary embellishments or intricacies, which surprisingly does not hinder his popularity among high-fashion enthusiasts. Gaskins releases collections four times a year, traditionally featuring evening gowns and daywear, with a particular focus on dresses and suits.

Gaskins' creations have been warmly received, not only by the general public but also by fashion industry critics and celebrities. His designs have appeared on the pages and covers of renowned fashion publications such as 'Cosmopolitan,' 'Spy,' 'Bazaar,' 'Glamour,' 'Vanity Fair,' and 'Palm Beach Illustrated.' Gaskins has been featured in popular magazines and interviewed on several major television shows. Additionally, his list of celebrity clients includes Salma Hayek, Melanie Griffith, Vanessa Williams, Mariah Carey, Geena Davis, Maria Shriver, Jada Pinkett, Jennifer Lopez, Allison Janney, Kim Cattrall, Kathy Bates, and Goldie Hawn.

In the mid-2000s, Gaskins announced his departure from the fashion industry. Alongside this news, he revealed another, less publicized but nonetheless intriguing announcement: he was the anonymous author behind the acerbic fashion blog, 'The Emperor's Old Clothes,' known for its sharp critiques. This revelation surprised many of Gaskins' admirers, as his public persona did not typically display a penchant for criticism towards colleagues and competitors.

It appears that Gaskins closed his business out of necessity rather than choice. The global financial crisis pushed his venture beyond profitability, making it impossible for him to continue pursuing his beloved but unprofitable line of work.