Hannah Hetherington
With interest in and inspiration from H. R Giger’s Alien creation, children’s untroubled and naive creative aesthetic and rhythmic gymnastic leotards, she creates inspiring and thrilling looks and accessories with a real dose of punk to them. She even got a dress design for the Duchess of Sussex. She is the Vivien Westwood of our time, I present you (Dame) Hannah Hetherington – Stylist and artist based in London.
What is your zodiac sign and do believe its suitable?
My Zodiac sign is Libra although I don’t believe it’s that suitable to me because I think I can be too bossy and excitable for harmonious Libra. My rising sign is a Leo which I think makes more sense ;)
Whats up right now in your life?
Right now I'm trying to learn how to enjoy the heat in London.... Making new earrings, conserving my energies for next month as I'm pretty much abroad the whole time and prepping for a very special upcoming project in August, KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED.
First thing you do in the morning?
Shower and think out my look for the day.
Have you always had short hair? When did you cut it? Was it a process?
I’ve had short hair since I was about 14. I think that your hairstyle totally dictates your whole look, so for me its always been intrinsic to cut and change my hair all the time. Although right now I can’t tell you how much I want really long hair..
I love your experimental outfits! Do you have a motto creating them or does it sort of ”just happen”? Are you into any specific eras or trends right now?
Thank you!! They do definitely sort of just happen, although I do start with thinking 'who do I want to be today" not really in terms of a specific person but more a feeling, like am I feeling more femme or mask, sexy or gross, childish or business bitch etc. After I've checked in with myself for the day I then try to partner my feelings with a more Naive process of picking my outfit. I had a crazy style as a child and I admire how kids have no fear in wearing what might be considered to be ugly things, so I still try to stay true to this kind of attitude and try to not follow any trends too heavily.
Recently I'm super into a kind of 80s Teen Valley-Girl kind of Style and am quite in love with Rhythmic gymnastics leotards. I'm also just generally always drawn to street styles across all eras rather than specific celebrities styles or Brands.
Where do you shop?
I mostly shop in charity shops and on eBay.
Tell us about your DIY-art/fashion pieces!
My Art/Fashion practice is focused on concept clothing, drawings and paintings. My main influences for my pieces right now are H.R Giger's Alien designs in the Alien films, Digimon designs and costume designs from video games such as Legend of Zelda. I'm particularly into any artworks exploring hybrid animals. My work explores the Ugly, the scary and the extravagant.
How would you have styled Megan Markle for the wedding with prince Harry?
I would have given her a huge grand headpiece made out of a large bunch of long stemmed white roses sitting horizontally on top of her head, wrapped around her head with Orange Silk tulle tied under her chin. White sleeveless tight silk dress with a ultramarine royal blue statin bow tied around her waist at the back with long trail (a take on the 1983 Pink Satin Bow Gown by Yves Saint Laurent). All matched with one long ultramarine royal blue silk glove (to match the bow) and one long orange silk glove (to match the head piece). I'd also give her crazy high heels that are hidden under the dress so that she towered over Prince Harry, just to fuck things up a bit.
If you could dress in ONE colour only, which would it be?
I think it would have to be white. I'm really into full white looks- I think they're pretty major.
Name and describe your dream collaboration.
If Vivienne Westwood contacted me and was like,
"Hey! you've got full creative freedom for art directing and styling the next show. Love ya, Viv x".
Images courtesy of HANNAH HETHERINGTON
interview REBECCA LOVGRENS
More to read
