
Gabriela Hearst, 39, has a namesake label that's fast becoming a fashion-set must-have. But when the mom of three needs to get away, she heads to her childhood home in Uruguay—where the nearest town is nearly two hours away. Here, a look at the escape.
Gabriela Hearst
The life: I lived on my family's ranch, surrounded by horses and cattle, until I was 17. I took over the sheep-breeding and merino-wool operations after my father passed away in 2011, so now I fly back several times a year. It's very remote—the closest city, Paysandú, is over two hours away. I bring my three kids when I can, because it's important to me that they connect with nature. We don't worry about Wi-Fi or TV—we just enjoy good food and good chat, sit by the fire, and go to bed early. It's heaven.
The Estancia Vik José Ignacio hotel
The thrills: We have a few pickup trucks but get around mostly on horseback. My father was a gaucho and taught me how to ride. The property is about 17,000 acres, so you can go for miles. I wear a classic gaucho look—my dad's boots, gaucho pants, a shirt, a faja (cloth waistband), and a leather belt with a silver buckle—to pay respect to the traditions. As a designer, I like clothes that have meaning and functionality. I'm not attracted to pure decorativeness. People like my husband—who is into sports such as cycling, sailing, and fishing—inspire me.
The food: Groceries get delivered monthly, but we eat a lot from the farm. There are chickens, so we have organic eggs, plus lamb, and then tomatoes from the garden. We do big barbecues, too. My favorite thing is a traditional Spanish dessert called Martin Fierro, which is basically cheese and thick, fruity jam.
The essentials: I pack lightweight dresses for hot days, sweaters for cold nights. We also have a place in José Ignacio, a fishing village on the coast near Punta del Este. There, I live in relaxing, bohemian clothes.
1. DRESS $1,850, Gabriela Hearst; modaoperandi.com for similar styles. 2. CAPE $1,295, Max Mara; (248) 637-3073. 3. BELT $138, B-Low The Belt; revolveclothing.com. 4. SADDLE price upon request, Hermès; (800) 441-4488. 5. BAG $1,995, Gabriela Hearst; gabrielahearst.com. 6. BOOTS $995, Gabriela Hearst; modaoperandi.com for similar styles.
This article appears in the October issue of Marie Claire, on newsstands now.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
-
Pamela Anderson Went Makeup-Free Again For This (Excellent) Reason
"I'm going to challenge beauty."
By Sophia Vilensky
-
The Best French Fragrance Brands for that Classic Je Ne Sais Quoi
Channel your inner Brigitte Bardot.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
Taylor Swift Says Her Career Was "Taken Away" by Kim and Kanye: "Make No Mistake"
She's finally ready to talk about it.
By Fleurine Tideman
-
The 10 Best Health Spa Resorts in the U.S.
It’s pampering time.
By Michelle Stansbury
-
The Fashion Editor’s Guide to Saint-Germain-des-Prés
The most stylish things to see and do in the creative hub of Paris, the 6th arrondissement.
By Sara Holzman
-
The Ultimate Guide to Copenhagen
Explore one of the happiest cities in the world.
By Emma Childs
-
The Spring Ski Guide to Beaver Creek
We're making a case for a spring vacay on the slopes.
By Sara Holzman
-
The Ultimate Guide to Paris
Where to stay and what to do in the City of Lights.
By Sara Holzman
-
The 17 Best Luggage Sets of 2023
BRB, setting my "out of office" message.
By Emma Childs
-
The 11 Best Weekender Bags for Women, According to Editors and Experts
In case you needed another reason to be pumped about your trip.
By Julia Marzovilla
-
Weekend Guide to the North Fork: Where To Stay, Eat, & Drink
Wine, oysters, and more wine please.
By Sara Holzman