Q&A with Hannah MacLeod
We chat to Hannah MacLeod about how she got her break as a Fashion designer…
Name:
Hannah MacLeod aka MacLeod (said in a Scottish accent)
Location:
Sydney, Australia
Profession:
Designer
Passion:
I don’t want to say Fashion as it sounds obvious– but it really is!
How I got my break:
I started out by selling individual pieces to local boutiques. This eventually led to the launch of my first collection at Sydney Fashion Week last year where I gained stockists and media attention.
Loves about the job:
I love the creativity and versatility of my job – everyday is different.
Hates about the job:
The production side of things is not always fun.
My 3 top tips for success:
Be dedicated, be committed and dream big!
Weekends are for:
Work & play. Running my own business means I am constantly working. In my free time, I like to escape to the beach or my favourite café.
Describe your style in a sentence:
My style is focused on timeless silhouettes with modern detailing.
Travel destination:
Paris – studying there taught me to look at everything in a different way and find inspiration in the most unlikely places.
I bet you didn’t know I can:
Play the piano with my eyes closed…
I get my inspirations from:
Everything from art to nature…
My latest purchase:
On the weekend I purchased a pair of tortoiseshell glasses from a vintage market. I love to buy vintage pieces and re-work them into my wardrobe.
My latest suggestions from my range:
The Rock-My-World layer dress from my spring summer 08/09 collection is effortless – don’t need to worry about accessories as the stone embellishments and silk/cotton layers make their own statement.
My current favorite mecho item:
Blik Surface Graphics
Pssstt…..One time I………
was in Paris doing work experience. I was working backstage at a menswear fashion show and was asked (in French) to dress of one of the male models. As I speak only basic French, I didn’t understand the task, so I just stood there and watched the model dress and undress. It was a little uncomfortable for both of us, but luckily the guy had a sense of humour.
NOTE: ARCHIVE ONLY from NOV/DEC-08. You may leave a comment but please note Hannah is no longer actively responding to any questions post 8 Dec -08.
Photo gallery: Hannah MacLeod Spring Summer 08/09 Collection
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21 comments
21 Comments Add your own
1.
Kevin | November 10th, 2008 at 11:40 pm
Hi Hannah, you are gorgeous have worked as a model before?
2.
Hannah MacLeod | November 11th, 2008 at 10:13 am
haha that is sweet. No I have not worked as a model…
3.
Charlz | November 11th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
haha well, I agree with Kevin and reckon you can probably model your own clothes!
have you always been living as a designer by the way or did do something else on the side before you got your break? love reading all these inspiring stories!
4.
Tara | November 12th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Hi Hannah,
With this crazy weather going up and down in Sydney, what do you suggest a girl to wear to survive four seasons in one day???
Tara
5.
B | November 13th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
What do you always carry in your handbag? Bx
6.
Foto babeZ | November 14th, 2008 at 9:37 am
great photos Hannah! who is your photographer??
Any tips for a keen Photographer who wants to go Pro!??
i would loveee to be a Fashion photographer one day
7.
Buddha head | November 14th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Any top travel tips and secrets for Paris? I might go next year to europe and definately want to check out the city of lights
8.
Hannah MacLeod | November 16th, 2008 at 11:20 am
Hi Charlz,
Thank you for the question. I have worked in various fields of the industry. My last position was for Dior ready-to-wear as a Local Training Coordinator.
I have been designing my own collections for the past two years…
9.
Hannah MacLeod | November 16th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Hi Tara,
The weather has been so unpredictable lately! Pieces from my collections are designed to be layered. Silk mini dresses in citron and charcoal look great teamed with a black jacket or tights.
10.
Tara | November 18th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Thanks, Hannah. Layers seems to be the answer and today is one of those days! Any tips of hot frocks for the races while I’m at it? Love to wear a hat but I know I won’t wear it again… is it worth it?
11.
Caitlin | November 19th, 2008 at 10:38 am
I’ve seen your dresses in so many mags!! and Natalie Blair and Isabel Lucas wearing them as well. soo cool!!
12.
Melissa | November 19th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
I wore a Hannah MacLeod design to an event a few weeks back (which was heaving with the Sydney fashion set) and never have i received so many comments. The dress was gorgeous – thanks Hannah.
X
13.
Yoyo | November 20th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Hannah, do you suggest Yellow or black dress this summer xmas party?? i want to stand out!! n get some attention
14.
Hannah MacLeod | November 23rd, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Hi B,
Along with my wallet, BlackBerry etc, I like to carry multi-purpose products including Trilogy Everything Balm and Benefit Posie Tint, in my bag.
15.
Hannah MacLeod | November 23rd, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Glad that you like the photos! A very talented friend of mine- Mia Marcus-Clark does my photography.
16.
Lee | November 26th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Hiya H, any tips for a guy and gal to wear to a red carpet event and Xmas party ?
17.
Daniel | December 4th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Yeah I need some safe tips on the dress code front too!! when it says black tie event – what is the safe option? And how casual can smart casual be? Appreciate your help Hannah
18.
Hannah MacLeod | December 6th, 2008 at 10:26 am
Hi Tara,
If you don’t want to invest in a hat for the races, a silk head wrap can be a great alternative- take inspiration from Louise Brooks to create the look.
19.
Hannah MacLeod | February 8th, 2009 at 1:34 am
hi hannah,
i am so glad i share the same name as you! i was just surfing the internet and typed my own name and it came up with you! even though i really like you, i dont want to be a designer. I really want to be a singer! my friends say i am BRILLIANT and i just have to agree! lol! ok then plz email me back! bye!
from hannah! LOL!
20.
Holly | February 24th, 2009 at 6:59 am
Hiya! i just wanna say, this girl who put her message above mine sounds soooo cool! cya! xxx
21.
Kevork | March 18th, 2009 at 8:56 am
Dear Hannah
My name is Kevork Shadoyan,I’m a fashion designer from Armenia.
I have been in Sydney twice for fashion shows,the last one was on Nov.2007 in Terry Hills(Dalmacija Hall).Unfortunately I didn’t know you,to invite you.
I would like to say that you are not only a fashion designer,you are an artist.
Keep doing your good job,n’ hope to meet you one day.
Cheers
The best
kevork
http://www.shadoyan.com
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