Hunter Bell began in 2006 with a clear vision and an intimate first collection of just eight pieces. “My first collection was eight pieces. I knew I wanted to be a collection designer. I wanted a sweater, a coat, a jacket. I wanted outfits,” recalls Hunter. From the very start, the focus was on creating complete looks—thoughtfully designed pieces that worked together and made women feel confident, polished, and effortlessly put together.
Selling her pieces to Saks marked a defining milestone in Hunter Bell’s journey. “Seeing my name on the wall at Saks was a pinch-me moment,” she recalls—a tangible affirmation of years of hard work and creative vision. “I needed that moment to know I could keep going,” Hunter says. It was a turning point that reinforced her belief in the brand.
Hunter’s path into fashion was shaped by resilience and determination. “I didn’t go to Parsons. I went to Alabama. That made me work harder, Being an underdog gives you grit. You knock on more doors.” That grit became foundational to the brand, informing not only how Hunter approached the industry, but how she built a business rooted in persistence, confidence, and an unshakable belief in her vision.
2013 marked a turning point when Hunter won season two of NBC’s Fashion Star. “I went on as Hunter Bell, not the brand. That changed everything,” she says. “They told me I could win the whole show—I didn’t even believe it.”
Becoming a mother marked a profound shift for Hunter. “I didn’t know love could feel that intense,” she says. With that new perspective came a rebalancing of priorities. “I didn’t love the brand the same way anymore. I loved my child more.” It was a defining chapter that reshaped how Hunter approached both life and the business she built.
2016 marked Hunter and her family’s first year in Houston, where she reestablished her brand and rooted her company in the city. “Houston embraced me. It felt like community. That warmth and support softened me creatively and gave me confidence again.” helping her return to design with renewed energy and a fresh perspective.
The COVID era brought uncertainty, but Hunter approached it with perspective and resilience. “I had already walked away once. I knew I would be okay,” she says. “Worst case, I still had my family. That grounded me.” Even in challenging times, her focus on what mattered most helped her navigate the moment with clarity and calm.
As the Hunter Bell continues to evolve, the brand is expanding into new categories, including swim and kids, bringing the same thoughtful design and playful sophistication that has always defined it. Alongside this growth, our team is growing too—welcoming fresh talent and new perspectives that allow us to dream bigger, design bolder, and bring more complete collections to our customers than ever before.
