Gabriela Hearst Celebrates the Opening of Her First London Store

Gabriela Hearst celebrated the opening of her first London store last night, a Norman Foster–designed space in the heart of Mayfair opposite the famous Claridge’s hotel. “It’s my first day off in a month,” said Hearst, who looked surprisingly fresh in an elegant bias-cut velvet slip despite having recently arrived from New York Fashion Week. “So let’s just say, I’m ready to party.”

With trays of mezcal and kombucha cocktails floating around the boutique, the mood was convivial. Guests such as Amanda Brooks, Sabine Getty, and boutique owner Alex Eagle perused the new Fall wares: colorful cashmere scarves and sweaters, the brand’s distinctive accordion handbags, and classic low-heeled boots. Perhaps the most arresting piece in the store was the spell-binding tapestry created by Native American chief Big Spring, an artwork that once hung in the home of a National Geographic editor in chief.

Sustainability has always been a focus for Hearst, and her new shop is built with those values in mind. To wit, the parquet wood floors were recycled from the remains of a military barracks, and the elegant display cases were all made from trees that had fallen in a storm. “I have something special to show you,” said Hearst, beckoning towards a door in the back of the store. Behind it, a rack of clothes hung on recycled cardboard hangers and wrapped in her new biodegradable packaging. “Of all the things in the store, I’m most proud of this,” she said. “So much plastic packaging ends up in landfill.”

On a mission to dance the night away, Hearst later invited friends and family across the street to Claridge’s for an after-party that continued into the wee hours.