Gabriela Hearst Showcased Afghan Designs in Paris
The designer highlighted the work of Afghan women artisans through a new collection at Paris Fashion Week.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Fashion
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Designer Gabriela Hearst presented an Afghan-inspired spring/summer collection during Paris Fashion Week at the Petit Palais. The runway show featured garments created in partnership with the non-profit organization Turquoise Mountain.
Why it matters
The collection serves to spotlight traditional Afghan textiles and provide economic support for women artisans in the region. By integrating these historic craft techniques into high fashion, the designer draws global attention to the cultural legacy of Afghanistan.
The collection featured ikat patchwork jackets and dresses adorned with shisha mirror embroidery. Silk trench coats were crafted using a natural water-based resin to achieve their finish.
The players
Gabriela Hearst
She is a fashion designer who founded her eponymous label in 2015 and previously served as the creative director at Chloe.
Turquoise Mountain
This non-profit organization works to preserve traditional crafts and provides employment for artisans in Afghanistan.
LVMH Luxury Ventures
This investment arm of the luxury goods conglomerate LVMH acquired a minority stake in the Gabriela Hearst label in 2019.
The details
The runway event was held in the courtyard garden of the Petit Palais, a building constructed for the 1900 Paris Exposition. Hearst utilized the show to debut pieces that emphasize traditional craftsmanship and sustainable textile treatment methods.
Timeline
The Petit Palais was built for the 1900 Paris Exposition.
The show notes referenced a historical period beginning in 1901.
The Gabriela Hearst label was founded in 2015.
LVMH Luxury Ventures acquired a minority stake in the label in 2019.
The Paris Fashion Week collection showings began on September 28, 2026.
Roadmap
The use of historic venues like the Petit Palais reflects a broader trend of luxury houses grounding contemporary collections in architectural heritage. This approach contrasts with the industry's rapid digital pivot by emphasizing the tangible, long-term history of the design site.
The collection demonstrates the increasing consumer demand for ethically sourced luxury goods that highlight artisan craftsmanship. Readers interested in sustainable fashion may look for similar collaborations that prioritize direct partnerships with traditional makers.
The takeaway
This collection underscores the potential for high-end fashion to preserve and promote traditional craft techniques on a global stage. By partnering with non-profits, designers can create more transparent supply chains that benefit local artisan communities.
Further reading
For more on industry developments, visit the Fashion section.
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