Under the bright lights of the runway, Gabby Napoli walks with confidence, grace and a smile that says she’s exactly where she’s meant to be. But long before the cameras flashed and the crowds cheered, the Summerville native was a teenager working in a local formalwear shop, helping others find their perfect dress – never imagining she’d one day be the one modeling them.
Now 18 and balancing college life with a budding modeling career, Napoli is quickly making a name for herself in the fashion world. A first-year psychology major at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, she’s proving that you can chase your dreams while keeping your feet firmly on the ground.
Napoli’s journey began at Ash and T’s Formals in Summerville where she worked as a stylist.
“I was surrounded by fabulous dresses and photoshoots from day one,” she said. “I used to look at the posters of models and dream about being one of them someday – but I never thought it was possible for me.”
That all changed when her boss, Tracy Davis, saw her potential and encouraged her to walk in a runway show for designer Mac Duggal at the Atlanta Market.
“That first experience lit a flame in me,” Napoli said. “Working together with amazing groups of women to put on a spectacular show truly made me realize how much I loved this line of work.”
Summerville native Gabby Napoli showcases a dramatic red gown and floral headpiece on the runway, part of the growing portfolio she’s built while balancing college life and a rising modeling career.
Her passion only grew from there.
“I never had plans to become a model prior to my first runway experience,” she said. “I give full credit to Tracy Davis for seeing my potential and pushing me to go for the things I thought were unachievable.”
Her career highlights include walking for Colors Dress in the 2024 Atlanta Market and starring in a Scandinavian Vogue-inspired photoshoot by photographer Evan Moesta – an experience that pushed her out of her comfort zone and helped her grow.
“That shoot taught me to not limit myself in my modeling experiences and always stay open to new visions from photographers,” she said. “It could end up opening new doors for me and adding diversity to my portfolio.”
Still, Napoli said her heart remains in her hometown, where she first learned the power of confidence and community.
“Tracy clapped so loudly for me that I never noticed who didn’t,” she said.
Looking ahead, Napoli dreams of walking the Victoria’s Secret Runway, but her mission goes deeper.
“I want to show that you can be successful without being cutthroat,” she said. “If I can inspire even one young person to take a chance on their dreams, that’s a win.”