Meet Catherine Gaeyla

My origins are French but my heart is in South Africa” Catherine Gaeyla

Born in Madagascar, from French parents, Catherine Gaeyla spent her life between Africa and France. During these years we travelled extensively throughout Africa, always based in Johannesburg where my 3 children were born. Catherine Gaeyla has always been passionate about Fashion; as a child, Catherine would spend hours watching a family friend sewing gowns, playing with the materials and picking up anything sparkly that came off the clothes.

When I was 17, I launched my first fashion collection “Graziella” in Reunion Island, where I was studying.”

It’s only in 1997, after having worked in the Import Export industry that Catherine made her passion a reality. Catherine Gaeyla Fashion was born in a small side room in her Morningside mansion. Catherine Gaeyla transformed her lounge into a private showroom where Group Garella (JJ Garella, Bleu Blanc Rouge) were presented.

The Group Garella is still with me, 20 years later, they are representative of my first steps in Fashion and remind me where I come from and how hard I have worked to achieve and create my ideal Parisian Living Space… In 20 years, we have grown and evolved together “

“I wanted to bring a little of the spice of Europe to South Africa.” The year 2000 was a big stepping stone for Catherine Gaeyla Fashion. Catherine moved from Morningside to the heart of Hyde Park.

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“Behind The Wall” Catherine Gaeyla Fashion’s refined, double storey concept store in the heart of Hyde Park became the first Parisian Living Space, where Johannesburg’s Fashion conscious come and browse Paris and Milan’s latest trends, brands and mindset.

It is not a necessity to be born in Paris to look like a Parisian.

The brand portfolio is forever renewed from Sonia Rykiel, Missoni to Christian Dior and many more who did their first big steps into South Africa through Catherine Gaeyla Fashion. Today these brands have evolved in her space with Dolce & Gabbana, Roberto Cavalli, Ermanno Scervino, Paul & Joe…

Luxury starts with the service offered, providing customers with discreet, personal attention. It is a place where you feel welcome. A collection of books, flowers, chocolates and objects from various origins constitute. Today, I have many more projects blossoming” As Karl Lagerfeld said “I’ve gone beyond Ego “