19-years-old Gabby Applegate gives us dark and sweet with her namesake label.

California – Don’t be fool by the young age, Blaynistas. This San Francisco-born designer knows what she’s doing with her namesake label, Gabby Applegate. Gabby takes her inspirations from four heavyweights — Gareth Pugh, Rick Owens, Ann Demeulemeester and Karl Lagerfeld — which is shown in her collections as she mixes the dark side with the sweet side. Think lots of black but also lots of chiffon, satin and lace. It’s just the way we want it. But before Gabby Applegate became Gabby Applegate it was known as Witches when it launched in Fall 2009 at the Chateau Marmont.

“The name started out at as Witches, but to be honest its hard to not get the ‘goth’ vibe with that name,” Gabby shares. “I am confident in the brand and so I decided to make it my name.” This isn’t all Gabby is sharing with The Blay Report. The young designer grew up riding horses but experienced a bad fall in the Junior Olympics trial. Gabby then quit riding horses and moved to Los Angeles where she began her dream for fashion. Check out after the jump for more with Gabby, but first watch this amazing video to give you a look on what to expect from her collection.

What made you switch to fashion after your fall at the JR Olympics?

I always had an itch for fashion. I used to steal my mother’s Louboutins when I was a kid and walk around the house. I sat in her closet while she got ready for parties. I am lucky to have found something I loved so much at such a young age.

Did you experienced any challenges on getting your fashion dream off the ground?

Yes, my parents are divorced and it’s hard because my dad wanted me to have the “normal” college career and then figure out what I want to do. My mother is my biggest fan and is totally backing my choice to juggle college and have a label.

Gabby Applegate has a very distinct look, what audience does your label caters to?

Honestly there isn’t really a “target audience” for the line. There are pieces that my mother, who won’t let me say her age right now. would wear and also pieces that my sister, who is 17, would wear. It’s really for the sophisticated yet fun and secretive woman or young woman.

Living in Los Angeles you have the access to dress Hollywood stars, do you have a particular star you have in mind?

I love Kristen Ritter. Her style is amazing and she has a sweet but edgy look that I would love to dress.

It was recently reported that the late Alexander McQueen’s memorial is scheduled for September. How has he influenced you as a designer?

Alexander McQueen was such a remarkable designer. It’s interesting because his 2009 Fall collection was called “Witches.” He had such a connection with his mother, and I understand that bond because I have the same attachment to my mother. He was so innovative and he pushed the boundaries, such as in his Givenchy 1999 runway show he had Aimee Mullins walk down the runway with prosthetic legs. He’s the type of designer that pushed the envelope and everyone loves his work, but there’s also an aspect that is unknown. That’s what I would like to be able to do. It was also amazing how he was able to work for such big fashion houses, such as Givenchy and Gucci, and was able to have his own line at the same time. I would love to do something like that.

What advice can you give to young aspiring designers?

My advice for young aspiring designers is to make some pieces for your “audience,” but also to make pieces for you because you never know what people are going to think.

Images Courtesy of Gabby Applegate