Gabrielle Ehling
Gabrielle Ehling has distinguished herself as a sales leader who consistently turns insight into growth. As Director of Sales for Donna Karan and BCBG at G-III Apparel Group in New York City, she oversees key wholesale partnerships and drives performance across a diverse retail landscape, from major national accounts to specialty stores and boutiques.
With over a decade of experience, Gabrielle is known for her ability to translate market insight into meaningful business results. Her approach is both analytical and intuitive, aligning brand vision with shifting consumer demand while cultivating long-term partnerships grounded in trust and collaboration. This balance has allowed her to consistently unlock new opportunities and expand brand presence across multiple channels.
Her path into the industry began at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), where she earned both her Associate and Bachelor of Science degrees in Fashion Business Management, specializing in Buying and Planning. While still a student, she immersed herself in the industry through hands-on roles, laying the foundation for a career defined by ambition, adaptability, and a strong work ethic.
Over more than a decade at G-III Apparel Group, Gabrielle has steadily risen through the ranks, from Intern to Senior Account Executive, and now Director of Sales, demonstrating a consistent ability to lead, evolve, and deliver impact at every stage.
Beyond the numbers, Gabrielle is deeply committed to mentorship and team development, championing both the professional growth and personal well-being of those around her. Her leadership reflects not only a dedication to results, but a belief in building strong, supportive teams that drive lasting success.
• Fashion Institute of Technology — Bachelor of Science (BS), Fashion Business Management, Specialization in Buying and Planning
• Fashion Institute of Technology — Associate of Science (AS), Fashion Business Management
• Influential Women 2026
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being proactive about what I wanted and pairing that with a strong willingness to work hard. Early in my career, while interning in New York City, I realized how much I valued both the company and the experience I was gaining. Instead of waiting for the opportunity to evolve, I asked if my internship could continue year-round on a part-time basis.
That initiative led to a more permanent role, and I remained with the company throughout my college years. I was eager to contribute in any way I could, consistently taking on new responsibilities and embracing every opportunity to learn. What began as an internship ultimately grew into a long-term career.
Over the past 11 years, I’ve had the opportunity to grow within the organization from an intern to Director of Sales. That journey reflects not only hard work, but also the importance of advocating for yourself, staying adaptable, and making the most of every opportunity in front of you.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve ever received is simple: be a hustler. Do what needs to be done, and anticipate your customers’ needs before they even ask. That mindset has stayed with me throughout my career and continues to shape how I show up every day.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the fashion industry is to approach it with both self-awareness and confidence. Fashion offers a wide range of career paths, from creative roles like design and production to business-focused areas like sales, merchandising, and planning. Taking the time early on to understand your strengths, interests, and long-term goals can help guide you toward the right area and set a strong foundation for your career.
Equally important is learning how to navigate the industry as a woman. This means building resilience during challenging moments, advocating for yourself, and carrying yourself with confidence and professionalism in every setting. Don’t be afraid to speak up, ask for opportunities, and take ownership of your growth. Those moments often define your trajectory.
I’ve also been incredibly fortunate to have strong female mentors throughout my journey, from my high school fashion teacher to my first internship manager, and an EVP who guided me for many years. Their support, leadership, and belief in me played a meaningful role in shaping my career. Because of that, I always encourage young women to seek out mentors, learn from them, and, in time, become that source of support for others.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the fashion industry right now is navigating a rapidly changing retail landscape. Consumer behavior is evolving faster than ever, and brands need to be nimble, balancing traditional wholesale with e-commerce, direct-to-consumer strategies, and emerging digital channels. At the same time, there is a growing demand for sustainability and ethical production, which requires thoughtful decision-making at every step of the supply chain.
These challenges also create incredible opportunities. For those who can anticipate trends, adapt quickly, and build strong relationships with both retailers and customers, the potential to make a meaningful impact is enormous. The industry rewards those who combine strategic thinking with creativity, embrace change, and lead with both insight and resilience while prioritizing responsible and ethical practices.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both work and life are hard work, integrity, and adaptability. I believe in showing up fully, taking initiative, and doing what needs to be done, while always treating the people around me with honesty and respect. Strong leadership is central to how I approach both my career and personal life: guiding teams with clarity, supporting others, and empowering those around me to succeed. Resilience and a solutions-oriented mindset help me navigate challenges and stay focused on growth. Above all, I value anticipating the needs of others, whether colleagues, clients, or friends, because those small acts of thoughtfulness have a big impact and shape how I try to lead every day.