Gabriela Hearst

Born into a sixth generation of ranchers, Gabriela Hearst grew up on her family’s 17,000-acre property in remote Uruguay. She was creative from a young age, inspired by the utility of craftmanship on the ranch and Uruguay’s famous wool products — elements she still calls upon as an internationally renowned luxury fashion designer and entrepreneur.

“A lot of the creativity I have today is from using my imagination [back then]. Imagination is all problem solving, right? On a ranch you have to use it a lot,” she told The Guardian.

After earning her BA in communications at Universidad ORT Uruguay, Hearst moved to New York City in 2000. She studied performing arts and worked various jobs, including for a small contemporary women’s line and a fashion showroom.

In 2015, she launched her eponymous label, Gabriela Hearst, where a belief in sustainability led her to pioneer innovations like carbon-neutral runway shows and the use of deadstock materials. The brand has grown into a major international presence. She also served as the creative director of Chloé from 2020 to 2023, where she helped the company receive B Corp certification for its commitment to sustainability and social good.

Hearst is also known for her climate advocacy and philanthropy. In recognition of her environmental leadership, Hearst was selected as an Environment Honoree at the British Fashion Council’s Fashion Awards and received a 2024 TIME Earth Award. Her honors also include the International Woolmark Prize for Womenswear, the Museum at FIT’s Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashion, and the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s American Womenswear Designer of the Year.

Photo by Max Farago. Published June 2026