Barbara Gallagher
Barbara Gallagher has adored the great outdoors since growing up in Denver, CO, which sparked her appreciation for finely tailored outerwear in luxe fabrics. A successful businesswoman, her secret passion has always been fashion design, no doubt influenced by her artistic family of seamstresses and a mother who modeled.
Working in sectors from finance to manufacturing, Barbara’s deep commitment to learning led to her earning a mid-career MBA. Using her organizational and people skills, she turned a number of start-ups into fully operational businesses with systems for finance, staffing, and marketing.
Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014, around the time she was ending a big business project, Barbara nurtured herself by creating an exquisite women’s apparel collection. Rethinking her priorities, she decided to pursue the career she had long imagined for herself as a fashion designer. Armed with talent, ambition, and an artisan’s passion, Barbara began her journey to create a line of women’s outerwear.
As her brand developed, Barbara met many people, and gratefully received unending support from family, friends, colleagues, and customers. Ed, her longtime beloved partner, encouraged her, created business opportunities for her, and was engaged in every aspect of her design journey.
Shattered by grief and grasping for strength when Ed died suddenly in 2018, Barbara found inspiration by surrounding herself with color and fabric and continuing to create designs.
Spiritual Silks, her intensely colored silk scarf line, combines art and magnificent fabric to evoke the powers of healing. Never losing her love of learning, Barbara became a certified Colortime Image Consultant through Leatrice Eiseman, Director of the Eiseman Color Institute and Executive Director of the famous Pantone Color Institute. Today, Barbara uses her exceptional color education in her one-on-one, custom color consultations.
Hear Barbara’s eloquent presentation on
“Finding Creativity and Courage through Cancer.”
For information, contact Barbara at barbara@spiritualsilks.com
A tribute to my mother
My mother and I shared the same name; Barbara Marie Gallagher. Both born in Philadelphia, PA, we shared a love for cities, fine clothing, anything beautiful, and of course, my dogs, Herschel and Honey. My mother modeled as a young woman and I later followed suit with my innate interest in the fashion industry. It was frustrating as a child to share our name as I was called Barb or Bobbie, and only Barbara if I was in trouble for something I did wrong. I always just wanted to be Barbara…. My mother passed away in September, 2016, in the midst of my clothing line development. I am now, Barbara Gallagher. Thanks mom, for your guidance, your love, and your care, and for giving me the name, Barbara.
PRESS & PRAISE
Base Jumping: Step Up Your Layers
Red cape published in Park City Magazine, Editorial Style Guide, 12/8/2018
Stylist – Farasha Style
Photographer – Manic Project
Hair and Makeup – Paula J. Dahlberg
Model – Hannah T at Niya Models
Sensational Silk Scarves to Excite the Eyes and Soothe the Spirit
Spiritual Silks featured on Fab Over 50, 10/17/2019