Gabriela Hearst and Adam Pendleton Collaborate on Nina Simone-Inspired Bag Collection

Designer Gabriela Hearst and visual artist Adam Pendleton have partnered on a limited-edition collection of 25 Nina bags, reimagining Hearst's classic design with Pendleton's unique silkscreen artwork. The collaboration was facilitated by advisor Sharon Coplan, connecting the two New York-based creatives who previously moved in overlapping circles but had not formally met. Proceeds from the collection, available for sale this month at Sotheby's, will support the preservation of Nina Simone's childhood home, which Pendleton and a group of fellow artists purchased in 2017 to honor the singer's legacy. The project coincides with Pendleton's exhibition 'Love, Queen' at the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, DC, on view through January 2027. Pendleton initially expressed skepticism about brand collaborations, concerned about speed and quality, but found the process with Hearst to be deliberate and meticulously executed. He described deconstructing the bag's architecture, painting each panel individually, and reassembling the pieces, finding poetry in the collaborative method. Both creators emphasized their shared commitment to quality and intentionality in their work, contrasting with what they perceive as declining standards in contemporary art and fashion. They framed Nina Simone as a symbol of artistic purpose and emotional courage, celebrating her complexity rather than perfection. The Nina bag originated as a personal project for Hearst in 2015, gaining attention after an encounter with Apple designer Jony Ive. The collaboration extends beyond the product to include a community of artists like Julie Mehretu, Rashid Johnson, and Venus Williams, who contributed to a benefit auction for Simone's home. The partnership explores broader questions about American culture and artistic legacy, positioning Simone's story as a guiding light in challenging times.