Leave it to Gabriela Hearst to make a statement on the runway and off.
The designer brought in Jessica Alba, Debi Mazar and Lindsey Vonn to see her show, but hosted an unusual front row stacked with more climate activists than celebrities, including Angel Arutura and Dominique Palmer. In one of the rare political statements this oddly silent fashion week, Hearst handed out flyers from the ACLU to guests.
Alba, who has made the most of her fashion week hitting up a few shows, picked out a pair of snakeskin boots as her favorite item of the lineup.
“She’s an amazing designer, and she knows how women want to look. I love all the ‘divine feminine’ that she infused in everything. She’s very spiritual,” said Alba, pointing out that the button of her jacket was in the shape of a vulva. She was also toting a vintage bag upcycled by Hearst.
Alba founded her The Honest Company on using organic ingredients, in 2012 when sustainability was less at the forefront of the conversation. She stepped down last year, but said that ethos is still top of mind.
“No matter who you are, what industry you’re in, I think you have to think of the full circle of life and sourcing and just kind of where things come from and be intentional,” she said. “Just having a consciousness around what you’re making, are you making forever pieces that people can hang on to and archive them and pass them along?” she said. The actress said she invests in timeless pieces that she can save, like Hearst’s.
She just wrapped filming “Maserati: The Brothers” in Rome, alongside Anthony Hopkins and Andy Garcia. The film takes place over three decades starting in 1909, and Alba got to wear a range of costumes from the eras.
“It was just so romantic and beautiful,” she said. She added that they hope the Italian-shot film can premiere in one of the big fall festivals. Venice anyone?
Mazar was off to Italy too. She lives full time in Florence these days, having decamped form New York five years ago, and was heading to Rome to serve as the head of the jury for the Italian International Film Festival there.
She’s a longtime friend of Hearst’s and usually makes the trip to see her Paris shows. “She’s got a very Latin and Italian soul,” she said of the designer. “I basically love everything about her because she’s a fabulous woman, and it comes through in her clothing.”
Mazar said she doesn’t buy that much capital F fashion, instead preferring vintage and items from friends like Hearst or Marc Jacobs.
“I’d probably go to more fashion shows here and there, but I get a lot of anxiety from having my picture taken. I’m so old that I was from the era of when the cameras were pointing that way, not this way,” she said, gesturing at the runway. As if on cue, a photographer jumped in for a few snaps, directing her how to sit for a better shot.
Returning to the conversation, Mazar said her biggest tip is for women to focus on joy rather than fashion.
“Style comes from within, and I think it’s really stylish when people make an effort, but I don’t think it’s about how much money you’re spending on your clothes. I don’t think it’s about wearing a label. If you’re really feeling fabulous, go with your gut and don’t give a f–k what anybody thinks,” she said.
“Baby Reindeer” star Jessica Gunning wore Hearst’s dresses during awards season, on the red carpet and to Elton John’s famous Oscars viewing party. Chappell Roan — who has been making her own impact on fashion week — performed with Elton at that event, a moment she deemed “very special indeed.”
Hearst’s designs are “unique and kind of glamorous, also elegant. I really feel comfortable confident and classic,” Gunning said.
After winning a bevy of awards for the role, including an Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG for best supporting actress, she’s taking a bit of a breather and spending time with family.
“It’s been a bit surreal. It’s all been a bit of a dream, really. Who knows what’s next? Exciting times ahead,” she said.
