Märtha Louise Discusses the Journey of Hést with Princess Keisha Omilana of SAXSMAG

Märtha Louise reflects on her upbringing, highlighting her early connections with renowned designers such as Peer Spook and Erik Mortensen from Balmain, alongside notable Norwegian haute couture figures like Peter Dundas and Tina Steffenakk Hermansen. While she was surrounded by the world of fashion, her true passion lay elsewhere—namely, in horses and the great outdoors. “I was never truly invested in fashion until Hést came along,” she admits. 

With the inception of Hést, Märtha Louise’s perspective began to shift dramatically. The brand ignited an interest in the behind-the-scenes complexities of fashion design that she had previously overlooked. “The timeline from an idea in a designer’s mind to the final product hitting the store is extensive,” she explains, marveling at the intricate processes involved in garment creation. From forging relationships with factories to managing logistics, the entire operation was a revelation. 

However, what stood out most to her was the supportive nature of the fashion community. Contrary to her preconceptions of a cutthroat industry, Märtha Louise found camaraderie and generosity among fellow designers. She particularly acknowledges the Holzweilers, a leading Norwegian fashion brand, for their willingness to share knowledge and uplift others in the industry. “Their motto, ‘together we rise,’ beautifully encapsulates the spirit of collaboration that we have experienced,” she says, emphasizing that every partner and retailer is considered part of the Hést family.