Gabriela Hearst’s Post-Chloé Triumph: A Sustainable Statement at NYFW

As the curtains rose on Gabriela Hearst’s first collection since her departure from Chloé, the fashion world held its breath in anticipation. The Uruguayan designer’s Fall/Winter 2024 showcase marked a significant moment, showcasing Hearst’s solo venture with unparalleled elegance and purpose at New York Fashion Week.

Hearst’s creative ethos transcends mere fashion; it embodies a commitment to ethical manufacturing and sustainability, reflecting her longstanding advocacy for global causes. Embracing her role as a changemaker within the industry, Hearst’s designs serve as a poignant reminder of fashion’s power to effect change beyond the runway.

For this season, Hearst found inspiration in the legacy of British surrealist painter Leonora Carrington, whose visionary spirit resonated deeply with the designer. Carrington’s dedication to her craft and vocal advocacy for environmental and women’s issues mirrored Hearst’s own values, infusing the collection with a sense of purpose and authenticity.

While Hearst’s tenure at Chloé saw significant strides in environmental accreditation, her eponymous label takes sustainability to new heights. Crafted from recycled fibers such as cotton, linen, and hemp, each piece in the Fall/Winter 2024 collection embodies Hearst’s unwavering commitment to conscious consumption.

Collaborating with like-minded individuals such as Angelina Jolie, Hearst amplifies her impact, forging alliances that transcend the boundaries of fashion. Jolie’s recent venture, ‘Atelier Jolie,’ symbolizes a shared commitment to ethical design, a testament to Hearst’s enduring influence in the industry.

Amidst the collection’s sustainable ethos lies a tapestry of beauty and sophistication. From full-length shearling coats to ethereal bias-cut slip dresses, each ensemble exudes a sense of individuality and strength, echoing Carrington’s vibrant aesthetic.

Model on the runway at Gabriela Hearst RTW Fall 2024 as part of New York Ready to Wear Fashion Week held at the Agger Fish Building on February 13, 2024 in New York, New York. (Photo by Rodin Banica/WWD via Getty Images)

Central to the collection is Hearst’s bold use of color, notably the rich lipstick-red hue that pervades the runway. A nod to Carrington’s affinity for vivid hues, this striking palette choice underscores Hearst’s artistic vision and reverence for her muse.

Reflecting on her journey, Hearst embodies a newfound sense of confidence and liberation, evident in her daring designs and spirited approach to fashion. With each sartorial creation, Hearst invites individuals to embrace a future defined by sustainability, empathy, and unbridled creativity.

As the applause fades and the spotlight dims, Gabriela Hearst’s legacy endures—a testament to the transformative power of fashion as a force for good in an ever-changing world.