The 17-year-old Founder of Sierra Hotel Hoodies
By JULES LAVALLEE
In the bustling heart of New York City, where fashion meets entrepreneurship, a remarkable young woman is making waves with her brand, Sierra Hotel Hoodies. At just 17 years old, Arabella Moffit, a native New Yorker and a student at the prestigious Dalton School, has turned her passion for fashion into a thriving business that resonates with her peers and beyond.
2024 has been a whirlwind for you. Share your background and your success with Sierra Hotel Hoodies.
This year definitely has been the best one of my life! The idea of starting a company came after I researched how to make hoodies during covid in 2020, when they became very popular. That research led me to understand the destructive effect fast fashion was having on the environment and even more troubling, how they were being manufactured. It was at that point I decided to be part of the solution and created Sierra Hotel Hoodies. Winning the young fashion designer of the year came as a complete surprise and a day I will never forget. Being recognized in this way reinforced my commitment to my brand and the sustainable movement.
You have been featured globally. How does it feel to be 17-years-old with a growing brand?
I am incredibly grateful for all the support I have been given. It’s definitely challenging starting a business and balancing school work, but it’s so worth it. In some respects I think it’s easier to start a business at my age as I can make mistakes and not be overly criticized or judged.
Tell us about your top-sellers.
Our Delta asymmetrical top always sells out – I love it with shorts or jeans but I originally designed it to be worn over my Air Boss jumpsuit which looks super chic. My cherub hoodie over the halo dress is also a big seller. The dress looks great with sneakers or heels and the rib of the hoodie sits flawlessly against the rib of the dress.
Why are people so enamored about Sierra Hotel Hoodies?
I really believe a lot of consumers have become tired of fast fashion with questionable fabric quality and a lack of ethical manufacturing. I speak to a lot of people that question “do I need more” or “do I need higher quality, timeless pieces that are planet responsible”. The number of people that are voting with their wallet to stop pollution, waste and unjust labor practices in the fashion industry, is growing. These are my people, this is the movement that I am completely committed to and I believe that is why Sierra Hotel Hoodies has gained a number of very loyal followers.
What are your plans for expansion in 2025?
I am so excited to bring out a very limited, dark blue velvet collection in February 2025, it is the ultimate in luxury and I really want sustainable fashion to be seen in that context. The fabrics that I have made in California are super soft and luxurious and 100% sustainable. The price point of Sierra Hotel is not at the luxury level but the fabrics and the design quality gives that feeling for the benefit of our customers. I am also really excited for a number of retail collaborations with like minded companies. It’s important that Sierra Hotel not only focuses on sustainability but also giving back to our community, so all of our partnerships will be with businesses that truly believe in doing good.
