Hillary Glenn Riley

Hillary Glenn Riley is a seasoned apparel designer with 18 years of experience specializing in knitwear, print design, and apparel categories ranging from performance and active to luxury wear. Based in Denver, Colorado, she has collaborated with established brands and emerging startups, blending technical expertise with a modern design sensibility.
Her fashion career began at Diane Von Furstenberg in New York City, where she assisted in material development and print design. She quickly advanced to Assistant Trim Developer, gaining invaluable experience in luxury fabrics, intricate trims, and print development. Eager to broaden her skills, she transitioned to Macy’s private label team as an Assistant—then Associate—Designer specializing in Cut & Sew and Sweater categories. There, she grew her expertise in knitwear, mastering the full product lifecycle from concept to large-scale production, including sourcing, development, vendor communication, and buyer presentations.
After several years in New York, Hillary returned to Colorado, drawn back by her love for the outdoor lifestyle she had missed. She launched an independent contract design company in Boulder, working with brands such as Title Nine, Smartwool, Obermeyer, Spyder, Pearl Izumi, and Krimson Klover. This period allowed her to expand her expertise beyond knitwear, designing outerwear, activewear, and print patterns for both men’s and women’s apparel. Collaborating with startups provided hands-on experience in every stage of product development, from initial concept and fabric sourcing to prototyping and manufacturing. Her deep understanding of the design process and production logistics made her an invaluable asset to both emerging and established brands.
This foundation ultimately led her to partner with her sister, Jillian, a contract designer specializing in branding and photography. After years of designing for other companies, they decided to bring their shared vision to life. In 2017, they founded GLENN+GLENN, officially launching in 2019 with a capsule collection of warm-weather essentials. Inspired by their mutual love for art, architecture, and sustainability, the brand prioritizes slow fashion, small-batch production, and wardrobe curation. Their designs emphasize both functionality and longevity, using sustainably sourced fabrics from Japan and Italy and are primarily produced by women-owned factories in New York City and local seamstresses in Colorado and Wyoming.

Today, Hillary serves as a Senior Knitwear Designer at Smartwool, a VF Corporation brand based in Denver. In this role, she continues to push the boundaries of knitwear innovation, blending performance-driven functionality with sustainable materials and modern aesthetics. She is dedicated to designing apparel that not only meets technical performance standards but also aligns with environmentally conscious manufacturing. Her work reflects a deep appreciation for both technical precision and creative expression.

Beyond her professional career, Hillary is passionate about travel, the outdoors, and family life with her husband, Kody, and their two young daughters. Whether playing tennis, skiing, or exploring new landscapes, she approaches life with the same adventurous spirit that defines her design philosophy. With a wealth of experience and an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, Hillary Glenn Riley continues to shape the future of knitwear and performance apparel.