The past decade has brought both profound change and unsettling continuity. We’ve witnessed a global pandemic, increasing societal divisions, environmental crises like the Amazon drought, and geopolitical shifts, alongside the rapid advancement of AI.
However, certain values remain crucial in navigating these challenges, particularly within the luxury fashion industry. Despite rapid change, I remain committed to the concept of honest luxury.
Years ago, my mother’s question resonated deeply: “Why are people dressing so badly these days?” This wasn’t a judgment; she comes from a background that values quality deeply. Her observation reflects a broader decline in quality across many sectors of our economy, from housing to food.
My mother’s emphasis on quality, rooted in her upbringing on a ranch, mirrors my own values. This shared perspective stems from a life where durability and resourcefulness were essential.
Managing my father’s ranch since 2011, I’ve experienced a stark contrast between urban and rural life. The ranch’s self-sufficient lifestyle, from its reliance on fireplaces for heating to its repurposing of materials, instilled a profound respect for resourcefulness.
This experience influenced my approach to fashion design. Initially constrained by fixed price points and pressure to compromise quality, I felt a disconnect between my beliefs and my work. My brand emerged from a synthesis of my two lives—the rural upbringing and the urban professional environment.
Amidst rapid global change, my focus remains on quality. Since launching Gabriela Hearst in Fall 2015, we’ve prioritized craftsmanship, ethical sourcing, and environmental consciousness. Sustainability isn’t marketing; it’s a core value.
My colleagues and I are deeply concerned about the future. We strive to leave the world better than we found it, a principle not always reflected in current practices.
Currently, we’re actively reducing waste, from urging suppliers to conserve water to improving traceability and collaborating with other brands to share best practices.
Our journey is ongoing. However, we’ve learned that quality benefits both the environment and consumers. Our goal is to create enduring, high-quality products with complete transparency. This commitment to ethical practices provides a true sense of luxury—a clear conscience in our work.