Susan Hynd Stewart Gorra is an American fashion designer. Born in New London, Connecticut and raised in Waterford, she comes from one of the oldest retail families in the state. She is the granddaughter of Namer Joseph Gorra, founder of N J Gorra & Bro of New London, Niantic Connecticut and Watch Hill, Rhode Island (an import, wholesale, specialty department store that operated from 1902 to 1985).

Gorra’s dressed the most fashionable and discerning women (and their homes) of their time for over 80 years.

When Susan’s grandfather passed in 1934, his brother Nicholas took over until her father Joseph Namer Gorra became a full partner, after returning from WW II in 1947. Uncle and nephew grew the business until Nicholas passed in 1967, when Susan’s father took complete control over all aspects of NJ Gorra & Bro. Joseph, like his predecessors, had exceptional taste, charming manners, good looks, and an ability to know exactly what his customers wanted. They wanted style, quality, and customer service; something Gorra’s was well known for.

After Gorra’s closing in 1985 due to the shifting shopping habits towards shopping malls, Susan continued working her way through the industry outside of Gorra’s. While she will always remember and value what Gorra’s taught her about retail, it was the totality of experiences along the way that shaped her.

By 1988 Susan had moved to New York City and was hired at Polo/Ralph Lauren Corporation through a temp agency called Winston. Hired to assist the director of communications, Alexander Vreeland (Diana Vreeland’s grandson), Susan experienced fast-paced learning and was commensurately highly trained in how to be a professional on 7th Avenue. She tributes Joanne Cea, (now Joanne Julien) Mr. Lauren’s personal assistant, who took Susan her under her wing, for being so influential in molding her.

At 30, Susan was working for the top designer in the US. While at Polo, she realized that she had a keen eye for fashion and style, which led to her next move to Los Angeles where she studied fashion design, graduating magna cum laude from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising.  In 1992, Susan went on to study Haute Couture at The Paris Fashion Institute in Paris, France.

At her new Atelier, Susan continues to express her passion for creating exceptionally fine design and inspiring others to always look their best. “It’s self love.”, says Gorra.