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. Arabella recently showcased Sierra Hotel Hoodies at The Times Square Fashion Week with Dee Rivera, the mastermind behind the prestigious event. Times Square Fashion week and believes that these events will enable people to celebrate their self-expression, designer craftsmanship and expose audiences to new voices, new designers with an element of tech involved with theTimes Square Fashion Week marketplace powered by Metaburnett.
The Inspiration Behind Sierra Hotel Hoodies
Arabella’s journey began with a simple yet profound idea: to create comfortable, stylish hoodies that resonate with the vibrant NYC lifestyle. Growing up in a city known for its diverse street fashion, Arabella was influenced by the eclectic styles she encountered daily. Her early sketches and designs often reflected her love for urban culture, music, and art. After noticing a gap in the market for high-quality, fashionable hoodies that could be worn in various settings—from casual outings to cozy nights in—she decided to take the plunge and launch Sierra Hotel Hoodies.
The brand’s name, inspired by the phonetic alphabet used in military communications, symbolizes clarity and connection. Arabella wanted her brand to embody strength and unity, appealing to individuals who value both comfort and style.
“I love fashion, sports and flying small planes. Over Covid I had time to think more about my passions and what I wanted to do in the future and what impact I could have as a young entrepreneur. I started reading articles about fashion and the troubling emergence of fast fashion. Fast fashion is the process in the clothing industry of making cheap, disposable clothes to meet immediate fashion trends. The negative impact of the explosive growth in fast fashion includes the following:
- Fast fashion is a major contributor to climate change, responsible for up to 10% of global carbon emissions – the industry also pollutes water and soil, and harms wildlife.
- Waste: Fast fashion contributes to landfills overflowing with discarded clothing – the average person throws away 81 pounds of clothing each year.
- Human rights abuses: Garment workers are often exploited, working long hours for low wages.
- Negative body image: Fast fashion companies prioritize certain body types, which can lead to negative body image issues.
- Design flaws: Fast fashion clothing is often not well stress-tested before sale and is made to be worn a short time.
- Chemical pollution: The dyeing process for textiles is the second-largest polluter of water.
- Microplastics: The manufacturing process for clothing emits microplastics into wastewater, which can end up in waterways.
“After becoming more educated on the impact of fast fashion and learning that less than 1% of fashion brands were sustainable – I had found my mission. I called the company Sierra Hotel as I love flying with my dad who is a flight instructor ( I too hope to become a pilot one day) and the aviation slang for Sierra Hotel is the vibe I wanted each person to feel when they wear my clothes”
Made in the United States
“What I love about manufacturing in the US is the connection I have with my pattern makers, manufactures and embroidery team. Starting a company is hard but when they make it feel like family even your design failures ( and yes, I have had those) are turned around as learning opportunities. Recently, when I had my first fashion show for NY Fashion Week, the team that manufactures my clothes in New York all turned up to support me – there is no better feeling than that. Sierra Hotel Hoodies will always be committed to ethical production, but I hope never to lose the family feeling and succeed as a team in all parts of the business.”
Balancing School and Business
Managing a growing business as a high school student is no small feat. Arabella juggles her academic responsibilities at Dalton while also overseeing her brand’s operations. Her days are filled with classes, homework, and meetings with suppliers and designers. Arabella often starts her mornings early, dedicating time to her studies before diving into her business tasks. Her dedication and time management skills have proven crucial in balancing her studies and entrepreneurial aspirations.
In addition to her rigorous schedule, Arabella credits her supportive teachers and peers for encouraging her to pursue her passion. They often provide valuable feedback on her designs, and some even help her with marketing strategies. This collaborative environment has fostered a sense of community around her brand, making it a project that not only serves her but also engages her friends and classmates.
The Brand’s Unique Appeal
Sierra Hotel Hoodies stands out not only for its stylish designs but also for its commitment to quality. Each hoodie is crafted from premium materials, ensuring comfort and durability. Arabella meticulously selects fabrics that feel good against the skin while also being sustainable. The brand’s aesthetic draws from her love for streetwear, featuring bold graphics, minimalist designs, and a color palette that reflects the urban landscape of NYC.
Arabella’s designs often include elements inspired by her experiences in the city, such as iconic landmarks and cultural symbols. This personal touch resonates with her customers, who appreciate the authenticity behind the brand. In a world where fast fashion often compromises quality for speed, Sierra Hotel Hoodies champions a more thoughtful approach to clothing.
Holidays are Around the Corner. What are the Top Sellers?
“Our top sellers are our Got Your Six Joggers, our Delta Asymmetrical Top and Air Boss Jumpsuit. I name all of the Sierra Hotel clothing pieces after aviation slang terms so it’s fun to meet with people who understand all the references.
Sierra Hotel Hoodies is a great place to shop for the holidays as we can provide you with pieces that perfectly mix and match, wash easily and can take you from day to night. If you are traveling over the holidays with just a carry on – we have you covered, you will be comfortable, look incredibly chic and be helping our planet all at the same time.
Coming up we are delivering on a few asks from our Sierra Hotel regular customers so for the winter collection we will be launching a wide leg pant, a long new sleeve full zip hoodie, a tailored hoodie with kangaroo pocket, a ribbed boat neck top and jumpsuit. Our fabrics for our capsule collection will be 100% French Terry Brushed Organic Cotton in Navy and Blue. Additionally, we will be presenting a very bespoke sustainable silk collection in our Air Boss jumpsuit, Delta Asymmetrical Top and new pant and hoodie. Our silk collection will also be offered in black and the most gorgeous royal blue.”
Marketing and Customer Engagement
Arabella has embraced social media as a powerful tool for marketing her brand. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have allowed her to connect directly with her audience, showcasing her designs and sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses into her entrepreneurial journey. Her engaging content not only highlights the hoodies but also tells the story of a young entrepreneur navigating the challenges of starting a business.
Customer engagement is at the forefront of her marketing strategy. Arabella actively seeks feedback from her followers, encouraging them to share their thoughts on new designs and collections. This interactive approach has helped build a loyal community around Sierra Hotel Hoodies, where customers feel valued and heard.
Community Engagement and Future Plans
Arabella is not just focused on profit; she is also passionate about giving back to the community. A portion of Sierra Hotel Hoodies’ profits is donated to local charities that support youth programs in NYC. She believes in empowering young people through education and creativity, and her contributions aim to make a positive impact on those in need.
Looking ahead, Arabella plans to expand her product line to include not just hoodies but also other apparel and accessories that maintain the same quality and style. She is particularly interested in exploring sustainable fashion options, such as using recycled materials and ethical production practices. This commitment to sustainability aligns with the values of her generation, and Arabella is determined to make eco-conscious choices in her business.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit
Arabella’s journey is not without its challenges. As a young entrepreneur, she faces obstacles such as funding, navigating the competitive fashion industry, and balancing her personal life. However, her resilience and passion keep her motivated. She often reflects on her experiences, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the face of adversity.
Arabella also serves as a mentor for her peers, encouraging them to pursue their own passions and dreams. She shares her insights on entrepreneurship through workshops and social media, hoping to inspire others to take risks and believe in themselves.
Arabella Moffit is a shining example of how determination, creativity, and hard work can lead to success at a young age.