Hannah Elwell is a freelance Stylist working for a wide range of editorial and commercial clients. Hannah began her career by assisting Stylists before going on to work at GQ Style as a Fashion Assistant, a role which she left in 2010 to pursue a freelance career which so far has led her on a fabulous journey. We managed to catch a few words with the lady herself….
Us: As a Stylist you must work with some great brands, which ones are your favourites?
Hannah: Agghh, quite a few stand out for me! Comme des Garcons is a label that I have much admired as it is progressive and experimental and has stayed true to Rei Kawakubo’s vision since she founded the label. It’s a great brand to use editorially, as for me it makes a strong visual impact.
Balenciaga is a brand I have fallen in love with especially his quirky take on footwear. I love the fact that as a concept it’s a brand that in design can look quite futuristic on the runway but is actually wearable in everyday life. It has always been an inventive label with modern use of fabrics and techniques and is one that I love to use and experiment with myself. Alexander McQueen fascinated me growing up and his was the one show I would always look forward to hearing about. I liked that his reputation was surrounded by controversy, and was always full of drama and lavishness on the catwalk. It was like being a part of a show and not just a routine catwalk.
Us: That’s a lot of food for thought and talking of food, where’s your favourite place for food?
Hannah: Whenever me and my boyfriend are looking for somewhere a little special I always, always go to the Modern Pantry. I keep meaning to try new places but because the food is so amazing there I usually find myself going back time and time again.
Us: Well that solves that then! Food aside what’s your favourite cocktail & where do u go to drink?
Hannah: A Long Island Iced Tea or a Mojito does the job and I only need a couple to get me swinging from the chandeliers. Yum Yum’s in Stoke Newington do some delicious cocktails. I like to drink fairly locally so I’ll normally be found on Church Street or at The Shacklewell Arms every Friday.
Us: And when you aren’t drinking and eating where do you go for somewhere to relax?
Hannah: I actually find it really hard to chill in London because there are so many great events happening all of the time. I am quite lucky that I live in quite a green area so I will tend to go to London Fields or Clissold Park with friends if I want a bit of escapism. If it’s a dreary day I’ll go to The Three Crowns and make use of their huge, comfy sofas and catch up on work.
If you want to check out some examples of Hannah’s work then hit up her website: www.hannahelwell.com