Gabriela Hearst

Summary

Born in Uruguay, Gabriela Hearst grew up on her family’s ranch Santa Isabel in Paysandu, surrounded by horses, cattle and sheep, where the definition of luxury meant things were beautifully handcrafted and made to last. After more than a decade in design in New York, Gabriela honored her family’s heritage through the launch of her eponymous label in Fall 2015. the brand reflects a slower pace and process: where things are made with care and detail, where tradition is more important than trend, where there is a purpose to every piece.

History

Born in Uruguay, Gabriela Hearst grew up on her family’s ranch in Paysandu, surrounded by horses, cattle and sheep, where the perception of luxury meant things were beautifully crafted and made to last. Gabriela attended the British School in Montevideo and studied Communications at the O.R.T. University of Uruguay.

Hearst debuted a contemporary women’s label Candela in 2004 with T-shirts featuring silk-screened illustrations of a winged woman on top of a horse. In 2006 the label expanded to ready-to-wear and footwear. The designer then turned the focus on sustainability for her second ready-to-wear line with existing materials and unused stock from factories.

Her emphasis on sustainability results in a limited product offering with demand far exceeding supply. After more than a decade spent in design in New York Gabriela honored her family’s heritage through the launch of her eponymous label in Fall 2015, renowned for its craftsmanship and innovative materials, such as the anti-radiation fabric that shields against the radiation emitted by mobile phones—introduced in the Resort 2017 collection as lining for the jacket pockets.

Or the fine 14.5 micron merino wool and the aloe-treated linen introduced in the Resort 2018 collection, a sustainable and utilitarian process that softens the linen and gives the fabric the property to moisturise the wearer’s skin. What’s more, the label’s first bag ‘Nina Bag’ which started as a limited edition that Hearst gave to women she admired now has an extensive waiting list.

Sustainability is the foundation stone of the fashion brand. Her end-to-end production cycle helps minimise the environmental impact including the use of wool from Hearst’s own sheep farm in Uruguay. In 2017, her debut aimed at minimising the environmental waste through a no-plastic policy. The following year, Gabriela Hearst became the first fashion brand to introduce compostable bio-plastics for packaging, a flexible alternative to plastic that decomposes in compost within a few weeks. For SS20, Hearst to staged a carbon-neutral fashion show. She also worked on reducing the carbon footprint of her show by booking local models, using catering services that used local seasonal food and reduced appliances backstage.

What’s more, Hearst also introduced a digital identity for her collections—in partnership with Eon—so she could use a QR Code to provide details of each garment’s origin, material, production process and carbon footprint. AW20 was themed around “waste” with outerwear made from repurposed Turkish kilim remnants; old pieces from Hearst stock were disassembled and reconstructed; and one third of the collection was made with recycled cashmere, hand-knitted by the Mano del Uruguay collective.

Philanthropy is another pillar. In June 2016, she collaborated with Tod’s to update their slip-on sneaker with a men’s brogue detail in Morse code that reads “love”—20 percent of proceeds went to Save the Children. In 2017 Hearst designed a sweater in support of Planned Parenthood, with a goal of raising $50,000 for the organisation. That year, she visited rural Turkana County, Kenya, with Save the Children President and CEO Carolyn Miles.

In October 2017, Hearst partnered with Net-a-Porter and Bergdorf Goodman to raise awareness about the crisis there by making her handbag collection available to the public for the first time. For one week, bags were available for direct purchase online and at Bergdorf Goodman, New York. And, Hearst pledged a donation of $600,000 to Save the Children to give more than 1,000 families of the Turkana region the ability to buy food, water, and livestock.

In September 2019, in collaboration with MyTheresa, Hearst launched a capsule collection to mark Save the Children centennial year and twenty percent of the proceeds went to support the organization’s Centennial Campaign. From 2-9 December 2019 Hearst donated her brand’s net proceeds to Save the Children to support relief efforts in war-torn Yemen.

For Spring Summer 2020 all guests received a scarf featuring a print of extinct animals and Hearst made donations in their name to Our Children’s Trust: a nonprofit organization in Oregon that has filed lawsuits against governments for infringing on the children’s right to a stable climate system. And, from June 29 to July 12, 2020, Hearst teamed up with Net a Porter for a limited two weeks initiative to support Save the Children global relief efforts in the fight against COVID-19.

In 2018,Gabriela Hearst opened her first flagship store in New York. In sync with her culture of sustainability, the store was built using natural, non-treated reclaimed oak and built-in light occupancy sensors to reduce electrical consumption. In August, she opened a store in London, designed by Norman Foster and sustainably built using reclaimed wood and non-toxic, vegetable dyed leather and linen curtains.

Simultaneously Gabriela Hearst opened a shop-in-shop at Harrods, also designed by Norman Foster. There was no looking back. In December 2020, she was appointed Creative Director of Chloé, launched in 1952 by Gaby Aghion to give women the freedom to dare to be themselves; today the design aesthetic at Chloé continues to reflect that spirit.

In November 2022 Hearst participated at the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties in Sharm El-Sheikh Egypt to discuss the critical role fusion power has in the fight against climate change and then dedicated Chloé Spring Summer 2023 to creating awareness around fusion energy. The fashion designer now aspires to use 80 per cent deadstock in 2023.

Vision

Gabriela Hearst’s vision centers around creating a luxury fashion brand that defies the fleeting nature of trends by emphasizing timelessness, sustainability and craftsmanship. The fashion designer focuses on curating luxury collections for both women and men, where every item is meticulously crafted with attention to detail, ensuring quality and elegance. Instead of adhering to cyclical fashion, Hearst prioritises a slower, more deliberate process where thoughtful design choices are made to withstand the test of time, transcending seasonal shifts.

At the heart of Hearst’s ethos is a dedication to sustainability, a principle that informs every aspect of the brand. Her collections aim to minimize environmental impact by utilizing eco-friendly materials and sustainable production methods. This commitment goes beyond mere trend-following, as she believes in producing garments with a purpose—where every piece serves not just an aesthetic role but also aligns with her broader mission of creating fashion that is both beautiful and responsible. Hearst’s approach to sustainability is deeply rooted in a respect for natural resources and a desire to preserve traditional craftsmanship, marrying the old-world techniques with modern ethical values.

Moreover, Gabriela Hearst’s vision is one that challenges the fast-paced, disposable nature of contemporary fashion. Her collections emphasize tradition over trend, aiming to tell a story with each garment. By valuing heritage and purpose, she encourages consumers to invest in pieces that have meaning and longevity, rather than contributing to the cycle of waste. Hearst’s brand is a celebration of thoughtful luxury, where refinement, durability, and respect for the environment come together to form a unique and forward-thinking approach to fashion.

Mission Statement

Gabriela Hearst’s mission revolves around the concept of “honest luxury,” a term that reflects her deep commitment to authenticity, integrity, and the highest standards of craftsmanship in fashion. Each garment in her collection is designed with a sense of purpose, where the focus is not merely on creating something beautiful, but on delivering exceptional quality through impeccable construction and the use of noble, sustainable materials. This dedication to authenticity is key to Hearst’s vision of luxury—one that is honest in its approach, eschewing excess and superficiality in favor of meaningful design that respects both the craftsmanship involved and the environment.

In fulfilling this mission, Hearst aims to create pieces that reflect her personal desire for garments that are enduring, thoughtfully made, and deeply connected to the materials from which they are crafted. By prioritizing sustainability and responsibility, Hearst challenges conventional notions of luxury, which often emphasize opulence and trend-driven consumption. Instead, her approach to fashion insists on an uncompromising commitment to quality, where each item is made to last, embodying the principles of ethical production and mindful consumption. Through this focus on honesty and sustainability, Gabriela Hearst redefines luxury, offering a collection that is both exquisite and ethically grounded.

Key Team

Founder Gabriela Hearst

Products and Services

Gabriela Hearst’s products, collections, and services embody a refined, eco-conscious approach to luxury fashion. Her ready-to-wear garments for both women and men are at the core of her offerings, crafted with impeccable tailoring and using the finest natural materials such as responsibly sourced wool, cashmere, and silk. The collections reflect an emphasis on timeless silhouettes that blend elegance with practicality, ensuring each piece is not only beautiful but versatile and enduring. From tailored coats and structured dresses to knitwear and sophisticated suiting, Hearst’s products are designed to be long-lasting wardrobe staples, made with the highest regard for quality and craftsmanship.

In addition to her clothing lines, Gabriela Hearst offers an array of luxury accessories that carry the same ethos of timelessness and sustainability. Her iconic handbags, such as the Nina and Demi bags, are constructed using high-quality leather and handcrafted techniques, ensuring each piece is a testament to artisanal skill. These accessories are minimalist yet striking in their design, intended to transcend seasonal trends and become cherished heirlooms. Hearst also incorporates innovative, eco-friendly materials like recycled cashmere and biodegradable elements into her collections, pushing the boundaries of sustainable luxury.

Beyond the physical products, Gabriela Hearst extends her services through a commitment to bespoke craftsmanship and personalized experiences. Whether through custom fittings or tailored pieces, the brand offers a more intimate, individualized approach to luxury, catering to discerning clients who seek both exclusivity and sustainability in their wardrobe. Moreover, Hearst’s dedication to reducing environmental impact is evident in her innovative production methods and dedication to transparency, providing customers with fashion that is not only luxurious but ethically responsible. This holistic approach to fashion ensures that every piece and service offered by Gabriela Hearst aligns with her broader mission of creating a more sustainable and thoughtful luxury experience.

Awards and Recognition

Gabriela Hearst has a number of awards to her name. In 2016, she was awarded Woolmark Womenswear USA and the following year she won Woolmark Womenswear International Prize. In 2018 she won Pratt Institute’s Pratt Fashion Visionary Award and in 2020 she was named CFDA American Womenswear Designer of the Year. The same year she won The Fashion Awards: Environment
and in 2021, Frank Alvah Parsons Award Sustainability. In 2021, she won The Fashion Awards Leaders of Change Award, Environment and more recently in 2022, The Fashion Awards Leaders of Change, Environment.

References

• Official website Gabriela Hearst
• Gabriela Hearst BoF
• Twitter profile of Gabriela Hearst Twitter
• Sustainable luxury Vogue
• Facebook profile of Gabriela Hearst Facebook
• Maniac With a Purpose WSJ
• Instagram profile of Gabriela Hearst Instagram
• Gabriela Hearst The Guardian
• LinkedIn profile of Gabriela Hearst LinkedIn
• US women designing for themselves The Telegraph
• Youtube profile of Gabriela Hearst Youtube
• Gabriela Hearst Turned Her Climate Obsession Into High Fashion Vanity Fair
• Wikipedia profile of Gabriela Hearst Wikipedia
• The Fashionable Life: Candela Cool Harpers Bazaar
• Gabriela Hearst Spring 2024 Vogue
• Gabriela Hearst: Farm to Label Surface Mag
• Gabriela Hearst Resort 2024 Vogue
• Gabriela Hearst Positive luxury
• Gabriela Hearst Fall 2023 Vogue
• Gabriela Hearst RTW Fall 2023 WWD
• Gabriela Hearst wins Woolmark prize Vogue