MAISON DE MODE co-founder and chief brand officer Amanda Hearst shares what the future of fashion looks like.
Amanda Hearst wearing pieces from the sustainable bridal collection she designed with VRAI PHOTO COURTESY OF VRAI
Throughout the decades, we’ve witnessed the fashion industry shift with the times. With a mission of promoting a more sustainable and fashionable future, MAISON DE MODE (maison-de-mode.com) co-founder and chief brand officer Amanda Hearst, who calls Miami her second home, brings this industry shift to the forefront of the fashion world, partnering with ethical fashion brands to promote via MDM’s online retail space. Introducing the world of ethical fashion to this expertly curated collection, Hearst and her partners Hassan Pierre and Carmen Busquets are steering us to a brighter future without compromising on luxury or quality. Here, we chat with the fashion maven in honor of Women’s History Month and our celebration of innovation.
How have you worked to change the viewpoint that sustainable fashion can, in fact, be luxurious?
When I started my career in fashion 12 years ago, I wrote a column on ethical fashion for Marie Claire magazine. I wrote about this because I wanted to showcase that sustainable fashion could actually be very luxurious, beautiful and high quality. I started MAISON DE MODE for the same reason—to show the world that ethical fashion is luxurious and introduce people to all the amazing brands doing incredible work in the space.
What qualifications do you specifically look for when partnering with brands on MAISON DE MODE?
First and foremost, I look at the products. Are they beautiful? Are they fashion-forward? Would I buy them? Then I explore the sustainability behind the brand and talk with the founders about topics like transparency, sustainable materials, cruelty-free practices, etc.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of the business?
Seeing the sustainable fashion industry grow so much since we launched in 2016! I’d like to think we played a part in that.
What are some of your favorite sustainable brands?
I have so many! In terms of well-known brands, I love Ganni, Tiffany’s and Patagonia. I’m also a big fan of Scandinavian brands like Envelope1976 and FWSS. My husband is Norwegian, so I’ve become familiar with a lot of the sustainable fashion brands over there.
How can people do their research to shop sustainably?
The easiest thing is just read the ‘sustainability’ section on the brand’s website. Of course, not all brands will be honest or fully transparent, but at least you will get a sense of their commitments.
Photography by: Courtesy of Unsplash
