I remember my first encounter with the Douglas Hannant brand. I was reading a magazine article about the launch of his modern and exclusive new bridal line. The designs were easy and sophisticated, and his name instantly stuck in my mind. Ever since then season after season I have been following his collections closely and that is why I am so proud to bring to you an exclusive interview with the designer himself.
Known for dressing celebrities and socialites alike, he’s assured, determined and has made a mark on New York and global fashion. He’s also launching a diffusion line called, “Douglas Hannant Pink,” later this month. So read on to learn more about the Hannant brand, how he got started and his favorite mannequin. Yes, a mannequin!
ICON: Tell our readers about your fascinating story from the windows at Barneys to owning your own eponymous line.
DH: I did several stints in visual merchandising before launching my eponymous line. I learned so much about how women shop and what was missing in the stores. That experience gave me an advantage over other young designers starting out at that time.
ICON: What type of client do you cater to?
DH: She is social, philanthropic, and a connoisseur. She exists in every city all over the world.
ICON: A lot of celebrities wear Douglas Hannant on the red carpet, when you started your line, was that something you expected?
DH: When I started the collection, chic women both celebrities and socialites started to gravitate toward the design. It was organic.
ICON: Now beside your main collection, you also have a stellar bridal collection for the modern woman, why did you decide to approach that market as well?
DH: It was a natural progression. Women have been wearing my gowns to both high profile and exclusive events for years. The bridal is of the same vein.
ICON: Any plans for a lower-priced diffusion line or high-street retailer collaboration?
DH: We just debuted a sportswear collection called “Douglas Hannant Pink” in September. It hits the stores all over the U.S. in February. It is a playful, more casual interpretation of Douglas Hannant.
ICON: What’s your favorite city in the world, and how does that place help inspire your designs?
DH: My favorite city is New York. It is the most global. The lifestyle of my clients and the pulse of the city are always an influence on me.
ICON: Tell us the story about your mannequin…who is she, and why is she so special to you.
DH: The mannequin that stands in the window of my flagship store was sculpted by Adel Rootstein exclusively for Barneys while I was working there. I had envisioned her in my new boutique and by chance she appeared to me just down the street from my showroom at a little hole in the wall shop. I bought her and had her refurbished.
