Fashion with Purpose: Hilary Glenn Riley’s Mission to Merge Style and Sustainability
- Dr. Eulanda Sanders
- Apr 3
- 3 min read
At iNNOVATION Insights…We transform our clients' career journeys through the art of storytelling via our consulting, coaching, and career management services.
One of the greatest joys of hosting the iNNOVATION Insights podcast is reconnecting with former students and witnessing their incredible paths in life and careers. This episode was a deeply meaningful one for me, as I welcomed Hillary Glenn Riley, a visionary knitwear designer and former student of mine from Colorado State University.
Hillary stood out from the beginning. I vividly remember her illustration talent, her refined design eye, and her senior line presentation, which I proudly shared with future students long after she graduated. Her creative spark was undeniable, so it was no surprise to see how she blossomed into a leader in the performance apparel industry.
From Internships to Unexpected Expertise
Although Hillary once dreamed of interning at Ralph Lauren, fate had other plans. She secured a coveted fashion design internship with Diane von Fürstenberg, which introduced her to the world of color, prints, and draped silhouettes. This experience launched her into a role at Macy’s private label—her introduction to knitwear. Despite having no formal knitwear background at the time, she embraced the challenge, learned on the job, and fell in love with the boundless creativity of the knit world.
After four years in New York, Hillary returned to Colorado and built an impressive career as a freelance knitwear designer. Managing multiple clients, overlapping deadlines, and her marketing, she exemplified entrepreneurial grit and creative flexibility. Her ability to balance different brands and projects made her a sought-after partner in the industry.
Leading Innovation at Smartwool
Today, Hillary is the Senior Knitwear Designer at Smartwool, a renowned Merino wool performance apparel brand. She has shared incredible insights about seamless technology, 3D prototyping, and body-mapped garment construction, focusing on performance, comfort, and sustainability. Her work is about fashion, form, function, and the future of wearable and sustainable innovation.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Glenn and Glenn
2019 Hillary co-founded Glenn + Glenn, a women’s apparel brand, with her sister, Jillian Glenn Altman. They aimed to create high-quality, timeless pieces that bridged the gap between workwear and eveningwear, at an accessible price point. Though the pandemic impacted their momentum, Hillary’s entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well, and I do not doubt that Glenn + Glenn will return when the timing is right.
Redefining Innovation with Purpose
When asked to define innovation, Hillary spoke not about newness for the sake of trend, but about responsibility. She called on the industry to reduce waste, eliminate overproduction, and focus on sustainability. Her reflections—grounded in years of industry experience—captured the heart of what innovation should be: impactful, intentional, and human-centered.
As an educator, seeing a former student thrive is an indescribable joy. Hillary’s story reminded me of the importance of perseverance, the beauty of continuous learning, and the value of staying true to your purpose. What a privilege to help share her story on iNNOVATION Insights.
If you have not yet listened to this episode, I invite you to do so. Hillary Glenn Riley’s journey is a testament to what happens when talent, innovation, and heart align.
Keep innovating!
Eulanda
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