For generations, Sesame Street has been more than just a children’s show; it’s a cultural touchstone, a place where sunny days chase the clouds away and learning is always an adventure. For Gabriela Reagan, affectionately known as Gabi, Sesame Street wasn’t just a set – it was her childhood neighborhood. As the daughter of Sonia Manzano, the actress who brought Maria to life on screen, Gabi had a truly unique upbringing, growing up alongside some of the most beloved characters in television history.
While many kids dreamed of visiting Sesame Street, Gabi lived it. From a baby measuring Snuffy’s tail to a toddler navigating the bustling studio, her early years were intertwined with the magic of this iconic show. Now, Gabi is stepping into her own spotlight, not in front of the cameras on Sesame Street, but in the vibrant world of fashion design. We sat down with Gabriela Reagan to explore her nostalgic Sesame Street memories and discover how she’s carving out a distinctive path for herself in the fashion industry.
From Tiny Tot to TV Set: Gabi’s Earliest Sesame Street Memories
“I was probably 10 months old” when she first joined the Sesame Street cast, Gabi recalls, her voice filled with a hint of amusement. Her earliest memory on set is a charming anecdote that perfectly encapsulates the sometimes-unpredictable nature of working with children, even on a children’s show. “Once we had to measure Snuffy’s tail,” she recounts. “I went to get his tail and I turned around and saw all the people in the studio watching me. I started freaking out.” This early experience, though slightly overwhelming at the time, offers a glimpse into the unique environment that shaped her childhood. It wasn’t always easy being a child on set. “I think it had to do with being self-conscious and having stage fright,” she reflects, acknowledging the inherent pressures of being observed, even at such a young age.
Sonia Manzano smiling warmly, wearing a casual denim shirt, against a neutral background.
Gabi remained on Sesame Street until she was around five years old. She shares a relatable perspective on why her time on the show naturally came to a close. “If you think about it, the kids whose parents were on it, like Miles Orman; he had the same reaction. We weren’t there to be actors.” Unlike child actors who are trained and understand the demands of performance, Gabi and other children of the cast were simply kids in a grown-up world of television production. “I didn’t really get why I was there or why I had to repeat things. I didn’t understand the concept of acting.” This innocent confusion ultimately led to the decision to cast older children who could better follow direction and contribute to the show’s production needs.
Gabi also highlights the distinction between her experience and that of other children who appeared on Sesame Street. “There are lots of regular kids that went on the show. They would put on mini costumes and be Big Bird’s little bird and follow him around.” These were different roles, with different expectations. For Gabi, the self-consciousness she felt stemmed from the awareness of being observed and the subtle pressure to “perform,” even without fully grasping what that meant in a television context.
Life Beyond the Street: Navigating Normalcy and Embracing Fashion
Leaving Sesame Street didn’t thrust Gabi into a drastically different world, but life certainly had its unique aspects. “It was pretty regular, except that my mom gets recognized all the time,” she explains. Growing up with a famous mother became a normal part of her life. “I got used to it as a kid, and I’m very used to it now.” She shares fond memories of accompanying her mother to events where Sonia Manzano would perform as Maria. “We would go places, like the San Diego Zoo, and she would do a Maria performance with kids.” These performances, often alongside Emilio Delgado (Luis on Sesame Street), were a regular feature of her childhood, even extending into her school life. “She would also do it at my school every year, from kindergarten through eighth grade. And I knew the whole performance by heart,” she laughs, showcasing a deep connection to her mother’s iconic role, even after leaving the show herself.
Gabi’s path then took an exciting turn towards fashion. Interestingly, fashion wasn’t her initial focus. “Well, at first, I wasn’t the typical fashion student who lives and breathes Style.com.” Her artistic inclinations were initially geared towards visual arts. “I did go to LaGuardia High School… for visual arts. I loved art history and painting and sculpture, drawing and things like that.” College applications naturally followed this passion, focusing on art schools. While considering graphic design, an unexpected fashion class during her freshman year at Savannah College of Art and Design sparked a profound shift.
“That class was the most fun class in the world,” she exclaims, recalling the transformative experience. Despite the intense workload – “I was up five nights in a row with no sleep!” – she found herself captivated by the challenges and creative possibilities of fashion design. The rigorous curriculum, demanding research, concept development, and technical drawing, pushed her beyond her perceived limits. The initial struggles and harsh critiques from her teacher were crucial learning experiences. “I learned what it means to actually push yourself and make something that’s worthwhile.”
One particular project stands out, revealing a charming link to her Sesame Street past. “I remember that the first project that we had to do in class was to make a garment out of paper, but it had to be inspired by something in our lives. I made this feathered coat that was inspired by Big Bird.” This whimsical creation demonstrates how her childhood experiences, even those from the Sesame Street set, subtly influenced her burgeoning artistic expression.
Gabriela Reagan showcasing a paper feathered coat, reminiscent of Big Bird's plumage, in a classroom setting.
Finding Her Fashion Footing: From Big Bird Inspiration to Jil Sander Admiration
Gabi’s parents have been supportive of her fashion pursuits. Her mother, Sonia Manzano, enjoys shopping with her, recognizing her keen eye for style. “[laughs] I’ve learned how to find what’s special. Something that has been well made is very valuable.” This appreciation for quality over quantity defines her approach to fashion, valuing “the fabric and the craftsmanship that goes into clothes” rather than fleeting trends.
Describing her evolving aesthetic, Gabi notes, “It’s changed a lot.” Her early designs were characterized by “shiny fabrics, crazy colors, and stretchy materials,” a style her teacher playfully dubbed “a New York City party in SoHo!” However, her taste has matured and refined. “Now, I have this earthy aesthetic; I love Jil Sander, for example.” She admires the understated elegance and intricate details in designers like Jil Sander, favoring “ready to wear and outerwear.” Her signature design element? “I love coats and when I have a collection, everything has a hood. I think it’s more dramatic.”
Gabi embraces the ever-changing nature of fashion and personal style. “But at the same time, my aesthetic is changing every six months. As I learn more about other designers and see more fashion, the more my eyes open to this new way of thinking about it.” This continuous evolution and exploration are key to her growth as a designer. For Gabriela Reagan, the path ahead is becoming increasingly clear. From her unique beginnings on Sesame Street to her burgeoning career in fashion, she is confidently stepping into her own distinct and creative future.
