An Hour with … Hanna Marie

We all need to realise that making it in the fashion industry isn’t easy for anyone, and we should support each other as we go on our own individual journeys. If everyone was super supportive of each other, imagine what we could all achieve!

 

LM

Who are the people within your industry that inspire you and that you admire?

HM

People like Steph Claire Smith and Mimi Elashiry are my biggest role models because they are both highly successful in their own fields. Even though they may not have reached the ‘supermodel’ status, they are making a strong name for themselves within their circle.

LM

As a young woman, what do you think of today’s street fashion?

HM

Today’s street fashion is so different than previous years/trends. Because its winter, it seems like a lot of people are sticking with shades of cool and playing it safe. I would prefer to see a few more risks!

LM

What advice would you give to aspiring fashion models?

HM

Be grateful and nice! In the industry, its all about making contacts and presenting yourself professionally. If you have a positive attitude on set and are thankful for every job, then you’ll go further than someone with a sour and stuck-up attitude.

LM

What is your advice to young women and the way they dress?

HM

Start your own trend! Just because all your friends are buying that cute jacket doesn’t mean you have to also. Look for things you wouldn’t normally think of wearing; it’ll make you look unique and help you avoid showing up to an event wearing the same thing as everyone else.

LM

What influence do you think social media has had on our current fashion industry? Do you think it is positive or negative?

HM

Personally, I think social media is really important for the fashion industry. Social media is a relatively easy way for fashion creatives to present their new and upcoming ideas to a wide audience all over the globe.  This helps their businesses reach new heights and exposure. Its also a quick and easy way to spot current trends and buy fashion pieces you may not have access to locally.

 

 

LM

What is your favourite social media platform?

HM

I’m a huge fan of Instagram; I love posting at least once a day and showing my followers some photos from recent photoshoots. It also helps me to build a strong online portfolio that i can link to potential clients. Its a win-win media platform!

LM

What do you think of the phenomenon of fast fashion? i.e. Zara and H & M?

HM

I think it’s great that such huge brands are able to have lots of stores in different locations but I also think it can be a little unfair to local designers who don’t have the financial or social media support to grow so easily.

LM

What fashion bloggers do you follow?

HM

Bloggers like Indy Clinton, Caitlyn Paterson, and Le Blonde Fox are my all time favourites because they each have their own individual style and post interesting articles and photos.

LM

Who are your favourite models who have now retired?

HM

There’s so many! I love the classics, like Linda Evangelista, Elle Macpherson and Twiggy, but I also love the models who do different things, like Cara Delevingne, Tyra Banks and Naomi Campbell for their transition to the judging of modelling events.

LM

Do you feel that the industry as a whole helps you to succeed or do you feel alone in your quest?

HM

I think its different for every person you meet.

There are a lot of creatives that love to put in a good word for you and share your page to help you grow, but there’s always going to be people who try and put you down. The best thing you can do is ignore it and show them they’re wrong.

 

LM

What can we do to change this? How could you be better supported?

HM

We all need to realise that making it in the fashion industry isn’t easy for anyone, and we should support each other as we go on our own individual journeys. If everyone was super supportive of each other, imagine what we could all achieve!

LM

AMEN!  Thank you Hanna. Such wisdom at such a young age. You are truly impressive!

LM

How do you feel about the levels of support for the fashion industry in this country?

HM

Unfortunately, Australia has a strong “tall poppy” syndrome which basically means cutting down others to make yourself feel better and bigger. Because of this, it’s sometimes hard to be proud of your achievements without being knocked down. However, there are still a lot of supportive people who encourage you to strive for your best, and I have found the support to be more prevalent than the negativity.

LM

What fashion designers do you love in Australia?

HM

Being in the industry, I’ve been lucky enough to experience and work with some of Australia’s newest and upcoming labels; brands like Designs By Aleem Yosuf, Sarah Aljaism, Mimetic and Sarah Joseph Couture. They are all designers with innovative and fresh ideas, which is something I admire.

LM

Do you think that as a population we dress well?

HM

Yes! Every individual has their own unique style, something that makes them feel comfortable and beautiful. As long as everyone is confident in how they dress, it’s impossible to say Aussies don’t dress well.

LM

Who do you think dresses the best, men or women?

HM

I think it’s a close call, but women generally have a much broader selection of clothing to choose from opposed to men, and this can give us a better chance at coming across as more stylish. A lot of men I know aren’t as fussed about fashion as girls which leads me to think women have this one!

LM

If you could change anything about what’s trending right now, what would that be?

HM

There are no current trends that I really dislike.

LM

What do you think about the prevalence of tattooes? Piercings? Do you think they had their day?

HM

Personally, I’m not a big fan of a load of tattoos/piercings on myself because they don’t suit me.

However, there are a load of successful models that have both of these, so each to their own.

LM

Do you have tattoes or piercings?  If so, how many, where and what are they?

HM

I have my ears pierced.

LM

If we were speaking about fashion today, do you think we are becoming more modest or less so in our self expression?

HM

Definitely less modest. It’s a shame because every person is beautiful and they shouldn’t feel the need to show extra skin or be too provocative to get attention.

Sometimes being elegant and classy can give off an impressive vibe to people and actually give you appropriate attention, opposed to the latter.

LM

AMEN! We love this girl!

LM

Why do you think some designers have gone broke in recent times?

HM

The world isn’t ready for their ideas and it’s important that Australia learns to promote and foster local designers!

LM

Thanks Hanna, well said! Fortunately Label Ministry is on that case leading the “revolution”!

LM

How important is runway exposure when designers are offering a new collection? Do you enjoy Runway work or do you prefer photographic work?

 

 

HM

I think Runways are such a huge opportunity for designers to showcase their new designs and also meet fellow creatives, models, hair/makeup artists and photographers.

Personally, I’m a huge fan of the Runway because it requires so much more precision and planning than some photographic work, and is also a great way to make multiple contacts in a short night.

LM

What do you feel the fashion industry needs to offer which it is not?

HM

I would like to see the fashion industry offer more knowledge and help toward each other than it does currently.

It would be nice to have experts in the industry offering tips on how they became so successful and to support everyone as they go on their own journey.

Feature image accreditation: Photographer: Heidi Huttunen H/MUA Tanja Huttunen

Until next time.

Jade x