Founder Series: Assim De Gabriel

WRITTEN BY: KATE MACCABE

In this month’s Founder Series highlight, we’re thrilled to feature Assim De Gabriel, a visionary menswear designer whose work seamlessly blends cultural heritage with contemporary style. Drawing inspiration from his upbringing in a refugee family and the vibrant traditions of the Middle East and Africa, Assim has built a brand that tells compelling stories of resilience and identity through every piece.

Based in Philadelphia and working with the renowned Philadelphia Fashion Incubator, Assim De Gabriel is a testament to the power of staying true to one’s roots while navigating the evolving landscape of modern fashion and ecommerce. Join us as Assim shares insights on his journey, the challenges of building a brand, and what’s next for his remarkable label.

RAPID FIRE Q&A WITH FOUNDER ASSIM DE GABRIEL

Q: Can you share a little bit about your background? 

A:  I am a menswear designer with over a decade of experience in the fashion industry. My work is deeply influenced by my upbringing in a refugee family and the rich cultural traditions of the Middle East and Africa. Based in Philadelphia, I launched my brand, Assim De Gabriel, to merge these influences into contemporary, refined menswear that tells a story of resilience, identity, and sophistication.

Q: What inspired you to launch Assim De Gabriel?

A: Assim De Gabriel was born out of my desire to create menswear that connects people to culture, heritage, and identity. Growing up surrounded by the rich patterns, textures, and stories of African and Middle Eastern traditions, I wanted to translate those elements into clothing that empowers men to feel confident, sophisticated, and rooted in something meaningful.

Q: What makes Assim De Gabriel unique?

A: What sets Assim De Gabriel apart is its focus on blending cultural heritage with modern aesthetics. Each piece tells a story—whether through intricate designs, rich tones, or textures inspired by African and Middle Eastern traditions. Additionally, our commitment to craftsmanship and the narrative of resilience makes the brand deeply personal and unique.

Q: What has been the most challenging part of bringing Assim De Gabriel to life so far?

A: One of the biggest challenges has been navigating the business side of fashion, particularly marketing and finding strategies that resonate with my audience. As a creative, balancing my artistic vision with the practical demands of running a business has been an ongoing learning process. 

Q: What is the most fulfilling part of bringing Assim De Gabriel to life?

A:  Seeing people connect with my designs on a deeper level is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that the pieces I create resonate with someone’s personal identity or story makes all the hard work worthwhile. Additionally, being recognized as a designer in my community and beyond has been an amazing affirmation of my journey.

Q: Best advice you’ve ever received or advice you would like to share with aspiring founders and entrepreneurs?

A: Stay true to your vision and values, but don’t be afraid to adapt and learn. Building a business is as much about persistence as it is about creativity. Take small, achievable steps, and don’t shy away from seeking help or connecting with others who can guide you.

Q: Can you share a little about any exciting events and launches coming up for Assim De Gabriel?

A: I’m currently working on a few exciting projects, including a reintroduction of Assim De Gabriel to the Philadelphia community. This includes new designs and campaigns that showcase the cultural and artistic essence of the brand. Keep an eye out for updates on our social media channels, on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Q: What trends are on your radar in the ecommerce space, to help drive Assim De Gabriel growth?

A: I’m focusing on creating a more immersive online experience, leveraging storytelling, and exploring digital tools like Clo3D to showcase designs. I’m also paying attention to personalized shopping experiences and performance marketing strategies to build stronger connections with my audience.

 Q: Where can consumers learn more about you and Assim De Gabriel?

A: You can find more about Assim De Gabriel on our  Instagram and LinkedIn, where we share updates, designs, and stories behind the brand. Stay tuned for more announcements and ways to connect with us.

Interested in supporting and partnering with founders like Assim as they bring their vision to life? Contact the Flywheel Strategy team to learn more.