Uruguayan designer Gabriela Hearst used her spring/summer runway at Paris Fashion Week to spotlight the craftsmanship of Afghan women artisans. The collection featured ikat patchwork jackets and dresses embroidered with “shisha” mirrors, pieces that were partially made by artisans identified through the non‑profit Turquoise Mountain.
Celebrating Afghan Heritage
Show notes given to guests detailed Afghanistan’s traditional textiles and its history from 1901 to the present, emphasizing the role of the country’s 22 million women, whom Hearst described as her “22 million muses.” Models walked the circular courtyard garden of the Petit Palais, a historic art museum, while guests including actor Katie Holmes observed the vibrant display.
Sustainable Materials Call
Beyond the cultural tribute, Hearst used the platform to call for an industry shift away from petrochemical‑derived fabrics such as nylon and polyester. She highlighted a silk trench coat treated with a water‑based natural resin to mimic water‑resistant nylon, underscoring her belief that fashion must address climate change. “All the climate is changing. You see it in Uruguay where I come from; it’s very hard to predict now,” she said, noting the unusually hot early‑October weather in Paris.
Business Background
Hearst founded her eponymous label in 2015 after serving as creative director at Chloé from 2020 to 2023. In early 2019, LVMH Luxury Ventures took a minority stake in Gabriela Hearst, supporting the brand’s growth while aligning with its sustainability values. Hearst indicated she would consider joining a larger label again only if its values matched her own.
Fashion houses continue to present their spring/summer womenswear collections through Paris Fashion Week, which began on September 28, with luxury megabrands such as Chanel and Louis Vuitton slated to show later in the schedule.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
