Gabriela Hearst, the creative director of French fashion house Chloé, has decided to step down from her position after three years. The Uruguayan designer’s departure comes as she looks to shift her focus towards her own eponymous label and other ongoing projects.
Taking over the coveted role from Natacha Ramsay-Levi in 2020, who had helmed the brand for three years, Hearst made her mark with a stunning Fall collection that debuted in March 2021. Known for her effortless elegance and bohemian edge, Hearst’s designs for Chloé have always been centered around the modern woman.
Under Hearst’s leadership, Chloé has become a prominent luxury brand in the realm of sustainability. In 2021, the fashion house achieved the Corp B Certification, making it the first luxury label to receive such recognition for its positive social and environmental impact. This commitment to sustainability has resonated with consumers, as revenue for the brand reportedly rose by 60 percent, as reported by Hearst and Chloé CEO Riccardo Bellini in February.
Hearst has long been an advocate for better environmental practices in the fashion industry. In 2018, she made waves by staging the first carbon-neutral fashion show during New York Fashion Week. Additionally, a quarter of her collections are crafted from deadstock materials, emphasizing the importance of mindful consumption and longevity.
As her tenure at Chloé comes to an end, Hearst will bid farewell with the spring/summer 2024 collection, which will be showcased at Paris Fashion Week in September. It is a fitting conclusion to her time with the brand, marking a high note in her career and the culmination of her transformative vision.
In an exciting development, Chloé has also announced a joint project with Angelina Jolie’s latest fashion venture, Atelier Jolie. The collaboration, co-designed by Hearst and Jolie, will result in an exclusive ready-to-wear collection. Both brands share a commitment to reinforcing responsible and ethical practices in the design and manufacturing processes, further highlighting their dedication to making a positive impact on the industry.
Gabriela Hearst’s departure from Chloé marks the end of an era filled with innovation, sustainability, and timeless designs. Her contributions have solidified Chloé’s position as a leader in luxury fashion while championing environmental consciousness. As she embarks on new endeavors, her influence and commitment to responsible fashion will undoubtedly continue to shape the industry for the better.