Gabriel Aubry

Early Life and Background

Gabriel Aubry was born on August 30, 1976, in Montreal, Quebec. He comes from a French Canadian family and was one of nine siblings. His upbringing in Montreal provided a bilingual foundation, as he is fluent in both French and English. This background would later support his international modelling career, which required frequent work in European markets. Details about his specific education or early aspirations before modelling are not widely documented in public records.

Modelling Career

He was signed to prominent agencies including Wilhelmina Models in New York City and Beatrice Models in Milan. His portfolio includes campaigns for an extensive list of luxury and commercial brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Gianni Versace, Calvin Klein, DKNY, Valentino, and Nautica. This work cemented his status as one of the industry's most in demand male models. He achieved several notable milestones that underscored his marketability and unique position. In early 2008, he was part of an exclusive Calvin Klein campaign featured in a Macy's commercial alongside celebrities like Mariah Carey and Donald Trump. That same year, he became the only male model to appear on the cover of L'Uomo Vogue while simultaneously featuring in campaigns for four different designers within the same issue. His recognition extended to popular culture when he was listed on People Magazine's "Most Beautiful People List." By 2012, industry reports listed him among the top earning male models in the world.

Business and Creative Ventures

Beyond modelling, Aubry has pursued entrepreneurial and artistic projects. In 2006, he branched into the restaurant business by opening Cafe Fuego, a Cuban inspired eatery located in Manhattan's East Village. The restaurant served as a creative hub and inspired his next project. In 2008, he produced and released a music album titled Cafe Fuego Vol. 1. The album was conceived to reflect the ambiance of his restaurant and was described as a fusion of soulful sounds with world music influences, bossa nova grooves, and Latin and Cuban roots.

Aubry played guitar on some of the tracks on the album, demonstrating his personal involvement in the music. In more recent years, he has continued to develop a visual art practice focused on painting. In January 2026, he shared a piece of artwork titled "Fear of acrophobia" on social media, indicating an ongoing engagement with modern art. His creative output spans music, culinary arts, and visual media, reflecting a consistent drive to explore different artistic forms.

Relationship with Halle Berry and Custody Proceedings

Aubry's personal life drew significant media attention due to his relationship with Oscar winning actress Halle Berry. The couple met in November 2005 on the set of a Versace photoshoot. They welcomed a daughter, Nahla, in March 2008. In April 2010, they announced their separation, which had occurred some months earlier. The separation escalated into a protracted and highly publicized custody battle.

The central conflict arose from Berry's desire to relocate with their daughter to France, the native country of her then fiancé, actor Olivier Martinez. Aubry objected to the move, arguing it would severely disrupt their joint custody arrangement. In November 2012, a judge ruled in Aubry's favour, denying Berry's request to move Nahla to France. The dispute intensified around Thanksgiving 2012 when Martinez performed a citizen's arrest on Aubry at Berry's home.

This incident led to both men receiving hospital treatment for injuries from a physical altercation. Martinez obtained an emergency protective order against Aubry. Subsequently, Aubry obtained a restraining order against Martinez, alleging Martinez had threatened to kill him if he did not consent to the move to France. By November 29, 2012, the couple had reached an amicable custody agreement in court. Financial aspects of the custody arrangement were later formalized in a June 2014 ruling.

In June 2014, a Superior Court ruling called for Halle Berry to pay Gabriel Aubry $16,000 a month in child support. The court order also included a retroactive payment of $115,000. Furthermore, Berry was ordered to pay a sum of $300,000 for Aubry's attorney fees. This legal and financial resolution concluded a highly publicized custody battle between them.

Later Life and Public Appearances

In the years following the custody settlement, Aubry has maintained a lower public profile while continuing his creative work. He and Berry have co parented their daughter, Nahla, with occasional joint public appearances. In 2026, they were photographed together at their daughter's high school graduation, an event that sparked media reflection on their past relationship. Reports noted the occasion highlighted the passage of time since their tumultuous separation and their current focus on family.

Aubry's professional activities have included modelling work, such as appearing in the Antonio Marras FW25 Campaign in 2025. He is also credited as an actor in projects like Survivalist. His primary focus, as indicated by his social media, appears to be on his evolving visual art practice, sharing new paintings and artistic explorations with his followers. This shift from modelling to other creative fields marks a new chapter in his career, one defined by personal artistic expression.

Public Image and Net Worth

Gabriel Aubry's public image is shaped by his success as a Canadian model on the global stage, his brief tenure as a restaurateur, and his involvement in a high profile celebrity relationship. His estimated net worth is $2.5 million, accumulated through his modelling career, business ventures, and the settlement from his custody case. He remains a figure of interest in fashion and popular culture circles, particularly in Canada, where his career began. His story is often cited in discussions about male modelling, celebrity custody disputes, and the transition of public figures into other creative fields.

Media interest in his co parenting relationship with Halle Berry ensures his name periodically resurfaces, such as at their daughter's high school graduation. Gabriel Aubry has been one of fashion's most recognizable faces for over two decades. He has branched out into music, releasing an album called Cafe Fuego Vol. 1 in 2008 which he produced. The Canadian born creative also continues to develop his visual art practice.

Questions about Gabriel Aubry

Who is Gabriel Aubry?

Gabriel Aubry is a Canadian model, musician, and former restaurant owner born in Montreal in 1976. He is best known for his extensive high fashion modelling career working for brands like Calvin Klein and Versace. He is also known for his past relationship with actress Halle Berry and their subsequent custody battle over their daughter. In recent years, he has developed a visual art practice alongside occasional modelling work.

What is Gabriel Aubry's connection to Halle Berry?

Gabriel Aubry and Halle Berry were in a relationship from November 2005 until their separation in early 2010. They met on a Versace photoshoot and have one daughter together, Nahla, born in March 2008. Their breakup led to a highly publicized custody battle, primarily concerning Berry's desire to move to France with their child. They reached a custody agreement in late 2012 and have since co parented, reuniting publicly for events like their daughter's high school graduation in 2026.

What was the outcome of the custody battle between Halle Berry and Gabriel Aubry?

The custody battle centred on Berry's request to relocate with their daughter to France. In November 2012, a judge denied Berry's request, ruling in Aubry's favour to maintain their joint custody arrangement in Los Angeles. The dispute also involved a physical altercation between Aubry and Berry's then partner, Olivier Martinez. A final agreement was reached amicably in court days later. In 2014, a court also ordered Berry to pay Aubry monthly child support and contribute to his legal fees.

What business did Gabriel Aubry own?

Gabriel Aubry owned a restaurant called Cafe Fuego, which he opened in 2006. It was a Cuban inspired eatery located in the East Village neighbourhood of Manhattan, New York City. The restaurant's ambiance directly inspired his 2008 music album, Cafe Fuego Vol. 1, which he produced and performed on. The album blended soulful sounds with world music, bossa nova, and Latin influences.

Is Gabriel Aubry still modelling?

Gabriel Aubry continues to undertake selective modelling work. As recently as 2025, he appeared in the campaign for Antonio Marras's Fall/Winter 2025 collection. His primary creative focus, however, appears to have shifted towards visual arts. He actively shares his paintings and artwork on social media, indicating a sustained practice in that field alongside his occasional modelling engagements.

Sources: Wikipedia and current public reporting, checked by the Novello Desserts desk. Last updated 2026-10-18.