After 24 years in business, Mara Hoffman has decided to take a pause, and the spring 2024 collection will be the company’s last offering for the time being.
Hoffman sent out an e-mail Sunday noting that the break will allow her “the space to reset and redirect [her] vision and energy into other creative outlets.” She said the brand will sell this final collection and existing pieces until it have sold out everything.
Hoffman said she has immense gratitude for the experience of running the company for as long as she has. “It has been nothing short of extraordinary and it has made me who I am,” said Hoffman.
“I will forever remain an advocate and supporter of the tireless work being done by the exceptional people working in this space. The ones fighting for a new version,” she added.
Hoffman founded her eponymous label in 2000 after graduating from Parsons School of Design. As president and creative director of her privately-owned company, her approach has centered on sustainable materials, processes and production to improve and extend each garment’s life. In 2023, Hoffman was the recipient of the CFDA Environmental Sustainability Award.
In her letter she wrote, “For anyone in this industry, specifically within the sustainability movement, you are aware that it has been far from easy on so many levels. We have been fighting for what feels like a long time to make this vision and model work in an industry I believe deep down in its heart wants to heal and become better. But at the end of the day, its structure is archaic and was never built to prioritize Earth and its inhabitants. It’s no secret that its success is still bound to harm …”
She said that although she is choosing to redirect her participation, “I remain hopeful that there is potential for positive change.”
“Knowing that there are so many incredible people working towards new systems, technology and legislation, we have a chance at this,” she said. She added that pausing the business has been one of the hardest and most important decisions she has ever made. She said she is looking forward to resting for a moment and then welcoming “beautiful new invitations into my life.”
Hoffman couldn’t be reached for further comment.