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 Moffitt, 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.

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.

What led you to launch Sierra Hotel Hoodies?

Our First Flight

In 2015, when my flight instructor Dad took me up for our first flight together, he handed me my own noise cancelling earphones and log book and said “Arabella today you will start your own journey as a pilot”.

From the noise of the plane as the engine started, to the powerful whirling of the propeller I was in love with freedom of flight on my first ride in a Beechcraft Bonanza airplane.

The continuous rattling of the cockpit, the myriad of dials and switches to look at and the sensation of flying over what looked like lego houses on a long island was like no other.

I Was Captivated.

I felt freedom and exhilaration with a belief that I could achieve anything and I never wanted that feeling to end. When air traffic control commented on my Dad’s landing at the end of our first flight as a “Sierra Hotel” landing, I fell in love with both the name and the concept of Sierra Hotel. From then on, I wanted everything I did to be a “Sierra Hotel” maneuver.

Fast forward to 2020 and COVID19 rocked our entire world. I spent more time at home reading on all of the issues affecting our lives and wondering how we possibly got here. I decided I wanted to be part of the change, not just part of the problem. I was searching for what difference I could make and that’s how my sustainability research began. What surprised me the most was the negative impact fast fashion was having on the planet and that less than 1% of fashion brands are sustainable.

I love everything about fashion and at the time I had no idea that it took 2,700 liters of water to make one t-shirt which equates to enough water for one person to drink for 900 days. After understanding this, my mission was formed, I decided to take my love of fashion and create a sustainable brand which I hope when you wear it will give you the same exhilarating feeling as me climbing the skies in a Beechcraft Bonanza.

After 2 years of working on our sustainable collection and ethically produced hoodie collection, it’s time to raise the game – Elevate Change, Soar with Purpose.

Growing up in a city known for its diverse street fashion, how has New York City inspired your designs?

Growing up in NYC gives me an opportunity to be inspired. We live in a very eclectic city surrounding us with diversity, designers and a fashion industry full of so much talent. This has helped me to be able to create Sierra Hotel Hoodies and find a niche brand that caters to an audience who love luxury, sustainability and simplicity.

What are the popular designs?

We get bombarded with sales and the most coveted are: 

The Cavu Hoodie, Got Your Six Jogger pants, Cherub Short Sleeve Hoodie, Delta Asymmetrical Top Hoodie, and the Tally Ho Hoodie

How has social media impacted your success?

Social media is key to expand your audience and spread the word. We focus on reaching key audiences and influencers that can help spread the word. Plus we are taking new initiatives to help

What are your plans for 2025?

Our goal as a brand is to get into small boutique shops and tour key locations for pop ups Nationwide

Please share your website and social media.

Our website is https://sierrahotelhoodies.com/ our Instagram @sierrahotelofficial