The Inimitable Style And Soul Of Gabriela Hearst
The designer never shies away from pushing the boundaries of her conscious collections and, for FW22, she masterfully marries modern allure with time-honored techniques. Here, we take a closer look at one of the most coveted collections of the season
Born in Uruguay, designer Gabriela Hearst’s eponymous label is an extension of her own moral tenets; a brand that continues to push boundaries with a principal-driven design ethos, using botanical dyes, handcrafted techniques and, for this collection in particular, 49% deadstock and recycled materials. Hearst produced the first ever carbon-neutral runway show in 2020 – now, she has partnered with Climeworks to offset her catwalk’s carbon emissions, too.
Disruptive, cerebral, revolutionary, exquisite: these are just some of the admiring adjectives that have come to define Gabriela Hearst’s collections. An avid collaborator who is always working closely with artists and artisans, Hearst joined forces with visual artist and writer Ana Martinez Orizondo for FW22, having become particularly drawn to the artist’s pastel ‘Tree Stories’ series.
“Hearst’s eye for beauty is always intrinsically linked to her respect for mother earth; her aesthetic is raw, tactile, colorful and extraordinarily beautiful
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For a timeless style that will still make an impact for seasons to come, look to the collection’s black cashmere crochet-knit maxi dress. Divine for evening events paired with slim stilettos, it can also be styled with stomp-style boots and a long wool coat for an ensemble that radiates nonchalant chic. The ‘Blitz’ dress, meanwhile, epitomizes day-to-night sensuality. Crafted from an ultra-luxe cashmere and silk bouclé, it is cinched at the waist with a leather corset belt for after-dark elegance, while the off-the-shoulder silhouette lends a subtly seductive feel.
But despite the collection’s contemporary edge, Hearst’s eye for beauty is always intrinsically linked to her respect for Mother Earth; her aesthetic is raw, tactile, colorful, and extraordinarily beautiful. For her, tradition supersedes trends, yet her designs are agenda-setting, too. Indeed, FW22 appears to be all about the hero dress for Hearst. From a luxe leather and lace iteration in a classic monochrome colorway to a crochet-knit style in bold and bright stripes, these are versatile dresses that are practical, pretty and will never go out of style.
For statement-making separates, consider the vibrant yellow and black cashmere co-ords, too. This long-sleeved top and ankle-skimming skirt comes with a striking peacock pattern that has been meticulously hand-crocheted. As for footwear, the suede, shearling-lined boots are perfect for warding off winter chills, while the block heel ensures they’re a practical and polished evening choice. This is a label that values quality designs that don’t cost the earth – and this season’s collection doesn’t disappoint.
Indeed, since launching her label in 2015, Gabriela Hearst has become one of the fashion industry’s leading visionaries in championing sustainable standards, and while FW22’s collection continues to honor this approach, it also cleverly delivers signature staples that are set to become heirloom pieces for generations to come.
DISCOVER GABRIELA HEARST FW22
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