Fashion as a Force for Good: Gabriela Hearst’s Vision of Collective Power

What is one defining moment in your career or life that empowered you to create change, and how has it shaped the path you’re on today?

There are several to point out, but I think one of the moments that was significant was dressing Chelsea Manning for the cover of the New York Times Magazine, shot by Inez & Vinoodh. And I had the privilege to be asked to dress her as she transitioned, while she was incarcerated. And it was the type of project that I like being involved with because there’s a technicality. We had to get the measurements, as she was transitioning. Then the psychology of it, I wanted it to feel very, very soft and very close to her body because of all the difficulties that she had to experience. So there was a lot of cashmere and beautiful fabrics. I got to meet her, and we spent three hours talking, and she’s quite an interesting person. She was the first person that we had dressed for a cover – I’m really proud that Chelsea Manning was our first cover.

What is one key change or innovation you believe is essential for advancing equality and empowerment in your field?

To wake up to the awareness that we are all interconnected. The idea that something is happening to someone in Africa, or another neighborhood, or on the same floor […] we are all interconnected. The moment we understand how interconnected we are [is when] we can transform a world that seems impossible [to] a world of joy, color, and abundance for all.

Who is a woman who has inspired or mentored you? And what lessons from her influence have stayed with you?

The first name that comes to mind is the late Cecile Richards. Just thinking of her, I am emotional. I approached her in the early stages of our career. Around 2016, I think, she was going to the CFDA, and I actually asked to dress her -u00a0 and from that experience, a friendship, a working friendship, occurred. Her selfless work of service to help other women till the last moment was admirable.