Gabriela Hearst Wins The 2017 International Woolmark Prize

Here’s what you need to know about the rising designer

Yesterday afternoon in Paris, the winners of the 2017 International Woolmark Prize were announced. It was the first time both the mens- and womenswear winners were announced in the same ceremony, and it was held in the Prize’s home city. 

An esteemed panel of fashion’s top faces, including Victoria Beckham, Miroslava Duma and Natalie Massenet, awarded this year’s womenswear prize to Uruguayan designer Gabriela Hearst. The menswear category was won by Cottweiler’s Benn Cottrell and Matthew Dainty. 

Hearst, who is part of the publishing dynasty of the same name having married Austin Hearst in 2013, has captured the hearts of the fash pack since launching her brand in 2015, with her designs spotted on almost every major influencer across the globe – including Miroslava. 

As a result of her win, Gabriela, who beat out 75 designers, will receive almost Dhs275,000 to help grow her label, ongoing mentorship and the opportunity to have her collections stocked in top department stores and boutiques worldwide. 

Victoria Beckham released a statement after the ceremony reiterating her support for the up-and-coming designer, writing, “I was very much in support of Gabriela. For me, she is a worthy winner. I love what she does and she’s clearly very talented. I like her eye, she has great products and she’s a strong woman. I have a huge amount of respect for her.”

Taking out the title and getting major kudos from a top designer/former Spice Girl? Not a bad day in the office if you ask us.