Meet the Designer Weaving Legacy Into Luxury
"I want to teach my kids that they can be proud to be both Americans and Mexicans."
Stephanie Suberville is the founder and creative force behind Heirlome, a luxury ready-to-wear label that combines New York refinement with the rich artisan heritage of her native Mexico. Born and raised in Monterrey, she grew up immersed in her parents’ love for local artesanía—a passion that now fuels her mission to preserve traditional crafts. After earning her degree from Parsons in 2008 and receiving accolades such as Women’s Wear Designer of the Year, she worked with menswear and women’s labels, including Rag & Bone and La Ligne.
Since launching Heirlome in 2022 with her husband and co-founder, Jeffrey Axford, Suberville has made collaboration the heart of her brand. Each collection is built around one or more local artisans—from woodcarvers and ceramicists to knitters and textile printers—who are invited to co-create, ensuring their craft is translated into luxurious garments with respect and authenticity. The result is beautifully tailored pieces (silk shirts, sculptural blazers, elegant gowns) imbued with the soul and stories of their makers.
“Heirlome,” derived from the Middle English term for heirloom, reflects Suberville’s philosophy that knowledge, technique, and culture are gifts passed through generations. She sees each garment as both an heirloom and a tool meant to be worn, treasured, and shared, crafted from exquisite fabrics and featuring handmade detailing that honors artisans and supports craft communities across Latin America.
Jess Graves: How would you describe your personal style?
Stephanie Suberville: Simple, clean, modern, tailored, with neutral colors only (a lot of black) and a mix of feminine and masculine shapes in every look.
JG: What inspired you to pursue this career path, and what informs your elegant aesthetic?
SS: I think I was about eight years old when I told my mom I wanted to be a fashion designer. I knew from a very young age that I didn’t love school, but I had an extraordinary talent for drawing. I would not pay attention in class and would often daydream and draw instead.
JG: What's in your cart right now?
SS: Aside from wearing Heirlome, I wear a lot of basics from Uniqlo (t-shirts and cashmere sweaters). I replenish my Uniqlo basics every year. I also shop a lot on The Real Real, always looking for old Dries or Issey Miyake. For my most recent purchase, I splurged on a necklace from Arielle Ratner.
JG: What should be in my cart right now?
SS: I’m always on the lookout for great outerwear, and this season, it’s our Heirlome Imogen Trench in silk satin. This trench is my favorite piece from the Spring Collection. I’ve been wearing mine with jeans during the day and more formal outfits for evenings as well.
JG: How do you overcome a creative block?
SS: I have to stop and take a walk outside. If I’m feeling creative but I’m stressed that I only have a few weeks or days to sketch, I have to take a walk and listen to music. Music helps a lot.
JG: What have you been getting the most wear out of lately?
Our Imogen Silk trench (ideal for sunny days) and our Wesley Trench (perfect for rainy days, thanks to its water-resistant fabric).
JG: What's your advice for someone who finds entrepreneurship difficult or lonely?
SS: Try to network with other small business owners. It’s challenging at times to make time to network when you're busy, but it really helps. To talk to others who might be going through the same thing, as not only will you feel a sense of kinship, but they might be able to help you in return. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help; more often than not, people are happy to help and will be flattered that you asked.
JG: How does living in New York influence your work?
SS: It influences my work a lot. Living in New York, you have to be practical; you walk a lot, ride the subway, and hail a car or Uber. Even my most “dressed-up” designs have to be comfortable and wearable.
JG: Drop a beauty secret.
SS: This I learned from my dermatologist: After washing my face and applying moisturizer before bed, I put on La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 (a soothing, therapeutic Multi-purpose cream) - it helps lock in the moisturizer, and my skin will feel amazing in the morning.
JG: What’s on your playlist right now?
SS: I’m a huge Fiona Apple fan; she’s always on my playlist. Also, since launching Heirlome, I've been listening to a lot of older Mexican music. Mexican ballad covers by Natalia Lafourcade, she sings covers in her album series “Musas” as well as “Un Canto por México”. Also, I've been listening to a lot of Chavela Vargas. When I’m sketching, I listen to Jazz, Charlie Parker, and John Coltrane. I need wordless music.
JG: Drop an unpopular opinion/hot take.
SS: Workout clothes should be reserved for the gym only. Maybe I’m getting old, but I see women all over the city in little bike shorts and bralettes, with a fresh blowout and full makeup (so not going to the gym). I get that they are comfortable, but these aren’t clothes; they should be for the gym! We are all deeply concerned about the environment, but do people realize that many of their workout clothes are synthetic? In 200 years, when we are long gone, those leggings will still be here. It takes 200 years for polyester and elastane to biodegrade. Remember, the stretchier it is, the less sustainable it is; opt for natural fibers instead.
JG: What do you collect? Why?
SS: Mexican artesania. I was inspired by my parents, who have been collecting artesania and Mexican art in general throughout their lives. My husband and I also started collecting it, and it’s part of what we do at Heirlome. We collaborate with these artisans, and we collect their work. Not just because it's beautiful to look at and have, but I see it as an investment in my culture, and I want to teach my kids that they can be proud to be both Americans and Mexicans.
JG: Describe your perfect Sunday.
SS: Sundays are our family day. An ideal Sunday is sleeping in, going out for brunch with my family, then taking the kids to the park or a museum, and finally having dinner with my family. My husband is a pretty amazing cook. On Sundays, he makes a big dinner for us.
I love Heirlome. Just purchased a blazer !