2023 Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashion Goes To Chloé Creative Director.
Fashionistas, gather round! It’s time to unveil the latest recipient of the prestigious 2023 Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashion. This year, the fashion gods have bestowed this esteemed honor upon none other than Gabriela Hearst, the talented creative director of both her eponymous fashion brand and the renowned French luxury fashion house, Chloé. The announcement was made by the Couture Council of The Museum at FIT (MFIT), a beacon of sartorial splendor nestled in the heart of New York City.
Now, let’s take a moment to appreciate the significance of this award. The Couture Council Award recognizes designers who possess an unparalleled vision, pushing the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship. It’s a nod to those who make fashion more than just fabric and thread, transforming it into an art form that captivates our hearts and minds.
Gabriela Hearst’s journey to this accolade is as inspiring as her designs.
Hailing from Uruguay and now based in the fashion capital of the world, New York City, Hearst’s fashion brand was born in 2015. Drawing inspiration from her idyllic upbringing on a ranch, where luxury was synonymous with thoughtfully crafted and durable pieces, she embarked on a mission to redefine sustainability in the fashion industry.
Her runway shows have become the epitome of eco-consciousness. Hearst embraces sustainable practices by utilizing deadstock fabrics and eliminating the use of plastic. In fact, her SS20 collection made history as the world’s first-ever carbon-neutral runway show. With each collection, she proves that fashion can be both environmentally friendly and undeniably chic.
Hearst’s commitment to sustainability doesn’t stop at her own label. In December 2020, she took the reins as the creative director of Chloé. Since then, she has spearheaded the transformation of the iconic fashion house into a purpose-driven and socially engaged brand. Her creative leadership has propelled Chloé to new heights, making it a force to be reckoned with in the industry.
The awards and accolades that have adorned Gabriela Hearst’s career are a testament to her talent and dedication. She clinched the prestigious 2016/17 International Woolmark Prize for Womenswear, cementing her status as a trailblazer. The fashion world also recognized her remarkable contributions by crowning her the 2020 CFDA American Womenswear Designer of the Year. As if that weren’t enough, she was handpicked as one of the fifteen Leaders of Change in the Environment category at the British Fashion Council’s Fashion Awards. The Financial Times even included her in their esteemed list of the 25 most influential women of 2021. Talk about an impressive fashion resume!
Upon receiving news of the 2023 Couture Council Award, Gabriela Hearst expressed her gratitude and dedication to her craft. “It is such an honor for the team and me to receive this award from one of the most prestigious design institutions,” she humbly remarked. “We take this recognition as an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to our work. Designing with consciousness of others and our environment not only enriches us with purpose but also focuses our creativity.”
Dr. Joyce F. Brown, president of FIT, commended Hearst’s sustainable vision, emphasizing its influence on aspiring designers at the institute. “Her vision—that a fashion brand can be successful while meeting social and environmental performance standards—has been validated by the growth of Chloé under her creative leadership,” Dr. Brown noted. “It is our honor to recognize her sustainability work and contribution to the world of fashion.”
Dr. Valerie Steele, director of The Museum at FIT, described Gabriela Hearst as one of fashion’s most visionary creators. “Her luxurious, beautiful, and sustainable fashions are already iconic,” Dr. Steele gushed. “We are proud to honor her with the 2023 Couture Council Award.”
As we prepare to celebrate the luminous career of Gabriela Hearst, let’s not forget that the Couture Council Fall Luncheon, where the award will be presented, promises to be an extravagant affair. With different ticket categories named after the glamorous world of fashion, you have the opportunity to rub shoulders with the style elite. From the Fashion Icon Table, which will set you back $50,000 for premium seating, to the Couture Single Ticket, priced at $2,000, there’s a spot for every fashion enthusiast to revel in this grand occasion.
But the festivities don’t end there! If you’re a fashion lover yearning for a taste of Latin American and Latinx fashion, make sure to visit The Museum at FIT’s latest exhibition, ¡Moda Hoy! Latin American and Latinx Fashion Design Today. Running until November 12, 2023, this captivating showcase explores the work of designers from the first two decades of the twenty-first century. And, of course, you can expect to see stunning creations by none other than Gabriela Hearst herself.
