The Reimagined Edith Bag
For her very first collection, Hearst revived the Edith bag, a beloved 2006 design that happened to be her own first luxury purchase. This wasn't just a simple reissue. Hearst's version maintained the original's sturdy, equestrian-inspired shape but updated
it with a mission. She introduced versions in recycled cashmere and repurposed deadstock materials, and even sourced vintage Edith bags to customize with leftover fabrics from her new collection. Finding one of these specific, upcycled Ediths is like owning a piece of a circular fashion love story—a direct link between Chloé’s past and Hearst’s sustainable future.
The 'Puffcho'
A perfect blend of a cozy puffer jacket and a bohemian poncho, the "Puffcho" was a signature Hearst creation from her debut Fall 2021 collection. This clever hybrid captured the essence of her design philosophy: practical, luxurious, and infused with personal heritage. The striped, fringed ponchos were a nod to her Uruguayan roots, while the integration of a puffer collar made it a distinctly modern and urban piece. Crafted from materials like recycled cashmere, the Puffcho is the ultimate statement in comfortable, conscious outerwear.
The Nama Sneaker
Hearst tackled one of fashion's biggest challenges: the footprint of a high-volume item. The Nama sneaker, introduced for Resort 2022, was her answer. It's a visually bold, lightweight sneaker with a distinctive hand-stitched mesh upper, but its true beauty lies in its construction. Made with 40% recycled debris by weight, it uses lower-impact materials like recycled polyester from plastic bottles and a special water-based glue. The Nama proved that a brand's most commercial items could also be its most forward-thinking, making it a landmark piece of eco-conscious design.
Climate Success Statement Pieces
Hearst wasn't afraid to be literal in her climate advocacy. Her Fall 2022 collection, themed around "climate success," featured powerful, artistic depictions of environmental stressors. This included stunning dresses and hand-painted leather totes showing images of melting glaciers and forest fires. While her entire tenure was about sustainability, these specific pieces were her most direct message. They were designed not just to be beautiful, but to be conversation starters. Owning one is to own a wearable piece of art and activism, representing a designer using her platform for direct advocacy.
The Chloé Craft Patchwork
A core belief for Hearst is that luxury had become too industrialized. Her response was to champion artisan-made pieces, designated with a special "Chloé Craft" logo. This was most visible in the beautiful patchwork designs that appeared on everything from dresses to bags. These weren't random scraps; they were meticulously hand-crocheted or stitched together from leftover fabrics from previous collections. These pieces showcase immense skill and represent a commitment to reducing waste by transforming it into something new and desirable. A patchwork piece from this era is a testament to slowing down and valuing human craftsmanship.
The Sheltersuit Collaboration Backpack
One of Hearst’s most impactful moves was partnering with Sheltersuit, a nonprofit that creates weather-proof outerwear for people experiencing homelessness. For her debut collection, she had the organization create backpacks using Chloé's leftover fabrics. For each backpack sold, Chloé funded the production of two Sheltersuits. This wasn't just a product; it was a social enterprise woven directly into the luxury collection. Hunting down one of these backpacks means acquiring a rare item that directly funded a humanitarian effort, perfectly encapsulating Hearst's purpose-driven vision for the brand.
