Gaâla 2025: A Year in Review

As we close another chapter at Gaâla, we’re taking a moment to look back on a year that stretched us, strengthened us, and reminded us why we do what we do. In a world shaped by shifting geopolitics and economic uncertainty, we faced numerous unexpected obstacles, but thanks to you, we continued to move forward.

And more than that: we grew.

Craftsmanship in Small Batches

This year, we achieved a key aspect of our vision: maintaining a high level of stock availability while still producing in intentionally small batches.

We expanded our production to China, Romania, and Bulgaria, partnering with small, specialized workshops that share our values, while still crafting a significant portion of our pieces in-house. Each garment continues to pass through hands that care, not conveyor belts.

New Sustainable Fabrics

Sustainability innovation remained at the heart of our work. We introduced new fabrics made from orange and banana peel fibers, materials that feel luxurious yet tread lightly on the planet. Alongside these innovative fabrics, we continue to seek out the finest upcycled textiles, uncovering unique, beautiful fabrics that allow us to merge exceptional quality with responsible creation.

Launching Substack

This year, we launched The Gaâla Letters on Substack as a space to share more of the inner workings of Gaâla and the fashion world we operate in. It’s where we explore the ideas that shape our work — from craftsmanship and culture to how clothing is lived in and the role it plays in the lives of those who wear it.

The format allows us to slow the pace, share context, and offer a closer look at what informs our decisions, inspirations, and point of view. Thank you to those who’ve already joined us there.

Better Service for Our Global Community

To simplify your shopping experience, especially for our international customers, we switched to DDP pricing for the UK and the US — meaning duties and taxes are now included, with no surprises upon delivery.

And yes… we even managed to weather the challenges brought by US tariffs, which tested our resilience but didn’t stop us.

A Complex Global Landscape

This year’s geopolitical and economic environment brought significant pressures to small businesses, and we felt those realities acutely.

Because of this, we found ourselves having to offer sales and promotions more often than we would ideally. These decisions were made thoughtfully, always to support our artisans and team, sustaining our production partners, and keeping our collections accessible during unpredictable times. We’ve been blessed to have a community that has supported us throughout. Our sincere hope is that the new year brings more peace and stability for everyone.

Design Evolution

Behind the scenes, our design team worked tirelessly not only on new creations but also on improving existing designs.
Better construction, refined silhouettes, more consistent fits. Their work was meticulous, thoughtful, and most importantly, shaped by your feedback.
We also expanded the collection with twelve collection launches this year: dresses, knits, outerwear, and accessories, each piece crafted with the same slow-fashion philosophy we began with.

Our Paris Pop-Up Boutique

Since opening in October 2024, our Pop-Up boutique has continued to flourish and has welcomed visitors from all over the world. Aside from giving our community a chance to shop our collections, it has also served as a showroom, a place where guests could discover our quality, craftsmanship, and fit firsthand.

It allowed people to experience Gaâla in a tactile and personal way, deepening our connection with our community and extending our reach beyond the digital world.

A Heartfelt Thank You

We are not a massive, faceless corporation. We’re a small team with big dreams, making garments with soul.
And every single order, every review, every kind message you send truly matters. You kept us going this year. You reminded us why this work is worth doing.
Thank you for choosing pieces made with intention.
Thank you for standing with small creators.
Thank you for being part of our journey.
Here’s to more beauty, more resilience, and more mindful creation in the year ahead.
— With love,
Gaâla