Gail Chovan

Gail Chovan is an apparel designer living in Austin, Texas. She received her Masters in French Literature in Paris where she then switched her focus to clothing construction.

Education
Gail attended ESMOD & Duperré, worked with various designers and launched her first apparel collection in 1988.

Work Experience
Eventually, Gail moved back to the states and began producing one-of-a-kind, limited edition pieces. She opened a concept boutique named “Blackmail” in Austin, Texas in 1997 which will soon celebrate its 20 years in business. Since 2010, she has released seven seasonal collections under her own name. In 2014, Gail decided to eschew the constraints and implications of season-specific designs in favor of pieces she approaches as unique and artful constructions. They maintain their permanence, relevance, and inimitable style throughout the years. Gail returns to Paris several times a year: to show her collection or present an installation during Paris Fashion Week where she is represented by Void Showroom.

Teaching
Gail is a bi-lingual French /English speaker. During the academic year, she is a Lecturer in the Division of Textiles & Apparel Design at the University of Texas at Austin specializing in the History of Dress and advanced Draping techniques. During the summer, she teaches Apparel Design to International students at the Sorbonne. 

Gail Chovan’s creations reflect her appreciation of fine craftsmanship and timelessness. Her atelier is a 100-year-old former grocery store she shares with her husband, artist Evan Voyles. There, crumbling walls and vintage sewing machines surround her as she works. Chovan’s designs are most often monochromatic, without the distraction of hue. Texture, form, and line take precedence.