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Our
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New York luxury fashion house specializing in made-to-measure couture, outerwear, and leather goods. Gretchen Heist is a label about expecting the unexpected with our aspiration to unify urbanity, wit, art, and fashion. The brand is led by Creative Director, Gretchen Weed. Having grown up in her mother’s art studio, Gretchen’s practice is heavily influenced by this period in her life. Heist is an anagram of her mother’s maiden name.

We celebrate and design for women that are beautifully complex, powerful, and operate outside of societal conventions. Our woman represents the dualities of the feminine archetype and finds strength and pride in all aspects of herself. She is refined, strategic, and independent, as well as delicate and romantic. She believes in the mystery of being and exploring the emotions of the human condition. Ultimately, she is a dreamer.

Like all great mysteries, each Gretchen Heist design has an exploration process. The viewer can experience the garment from the first impression to discovering hidden details within. Every design is made to order and incorporates themes of psychology, symbology, and Trompe l’oeil details. Texture is essential to the experience of each piece, from textile fabrication to the incorporation of non-traditional notions into the work. Gretchen Heist blends artistic intention, handcraft technique, and partnerships with contemporary artists to create fashion designs that are expressions of fine art.