We caught up with Gabé Hirschowitz, leading philanthropist and founder of Galerie Perrie.
From fashion to fine arts and art consulting, the through-line for Gabé has always been that art should be accessible and deeply intertwined with daily life. The founder of UNICEF’s ground-breaking Next Generation Art Party and former Acquisitions Committees manager at The Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles (MOCA), she has a long history of supporting new and emerging artists, merging the same instincts into her art advising and philanthropic efforts.
In addition to recently founding GaleriePerrie.com, she has also continued to combine her passion for art with philanthropy, co-founding the Young Leadership Board of Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services in Los Angeles and founding the COLLECT ART + DO GOOD organisation, which has benefited Stand Up To Cancer, Make-A-Wish Foundation and other worthy causes.
My car of choice
I appreciate that automotive design is an artform, but I’m also concerned about the environment since research shows that vehicles produce a large share of the world’s greenhouse emissions. So, if I had to choose, I’d say any kind of electric car because they are the future in combating the climate crisis. Tesla, for instance, does a beautiful job of making eco-friendly cars that merge functionality, comfort, and design.
My favourite holiday destination
Family is very important to me, so I especially love visiting Sydney every opportunity I have because that’s where my mom’s family lives, and there’s nothing like ringing in the New Year watching the city’s spectacular fireworks show over the Sydney Harbour Bridge with them. There’s also nothing more amazing than early-morning swims at Bondi Beach – which reminds me of so many wonderful childhood memories.
My gadget I can’t live without
My Bose noise-cancelling headphones. They’re great for travelling, listening to audiobooks, podcasts, and music, and unwinding, as well as for achieving that perfect stillness needed to get into ‘the zone’ when I’m focusing on business. For me, they’re like instant zen.
My go to fashion brand
There are so many gorgeous ones, so it really depends on what I’m looking for. Growing up in California, I’m used to wearing summer dresses throughout the year. A few of my favourites are from Velvet, Ulla Johnson, Johanna Ortiz, Markarian, Missoni, Cult Gaia, and Zimmerman.
My favourite restaurant
I love Italian food, a full-body merlot and great vibes, so my go-tos will always be Il Cantinori in Greenwich Village and E Baldi and Giorgio Baldi in LA. I also love discovering new dining experiences. A few finds that come to mind include San Angel Inn in Mexico City – which is located in a renovated monastery with a lush, expansive garden – and Hotel Montefiore’s restaurant in Tel Aviv – whose balcony dining is perfection. I also love the Jaffa Hotel’s courtyard restaurant, Kyoto’s Sushi Wakon and Naruya, and Paris’ L’As Du Fallafel and Café de Flor, and… well, there are just too many fantastic restaurants for me to name, but those are a few of my favourites.
My guilty pleasure
Dessert. I usually enjoy ending dinner with something deliciously sweet, especially a good tiramisu. If I’m entertaining at home, my go-to is a triple-berry cobbler (blackberry, blueberry, and raspberry) topped with vanilla bean ice cream. I couldn’t agree more with Mae West, who once said: “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”
My favourite way to give back
I’m passionate about keeping the arts alive in schools and love volunteering, teaching art projects and leading museum visits for LA’s Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services. Interacting with the students and seeing the positive impact art has on them as they grow is so rewarding. Not only do studies show exposure to art helps improve children’s mental health and creativity, but the school where I give my time has repeatedly reported students are happier and more focused due to their interaction with art and culture. Art is a crucial part of what it means to be human, and I’m so grateful I can give that gift to others.
