Hannah Duckworth is a young British womenswear designer and a BA
(Hons) Fashion Design student at the University of Westminster
currently working and living in London. Born in Tyne and Wear in
the North East of England, she was surrounded by creativity from a
very young age, encouraged by her fine artist mother. This has
influenced her to draw inspiration from modern art and sculpture
which leads her to the signature clean, minimalist style she has
become known for. Hannah has worked for well-established designer
Christopher Kane on his AW11, Resort 12 and SS12 collections,
assisting the team in the Paris showroom and is now in her final
year of studies - her graduate collection debuted at the University
of Westminster graduate runway show on the 24 May. We
asked Hannah about when she first started designing?
I’ve always been interested in clothes, drawing and designing from
as early as I can remember – I used to steal my nana’s ballroom
shoes and change my outfit about 6 times a day. I think this
naturally progressed as I got older and realised I could turn that
passion and creativity into my career.
What is it about fashion that you love?
I have always loved clothes and fashion. I guess everyone dresses
to feel a certain way, whether that’s the comfort of jeans and a
fine knit jumper or floor length black fur coat, sequins and
buffalos, clothes have the unique ability to make you feel a
certain way. Fashion is communication; I’ve always been
interested in the choices people make in terms of dressing
themselves, purely as to what statement they’re trying to
make.
What have you learnt from your course at
Westminster?
I’ve learnt so much from my time there, it’s taught me to push
myself as a designer and constantly challenge myself creatively.
I think the course has really set me up with all the vital
skills and knowledge for a successful career in the industry.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
As a designer I draw my inspiration from all sorts of places,
usually art and film. I’m a modernist at heart, from a fine art
background, so I always keep an eye on contemporary art and
sculpture for ideas and moods. I also look to the street for
ideas, it is important to be aware of subcultures and what’s
happening around us socially.
What is your favourite or most indispensable item of
clothing?
I’m the kind of person who will wear the same outfit for two weeks
in a row, so my basics are indispensable to me. But my most beloved
item is my Christopher Kane Aqua Bag which was given to me as a
gift when I left the company having interned during my year
out.
What fashion look on the street do you
adore?
I’m quite wary of trends, I think as a designer it is inbuilt not
to follow but to create and stay one step ahead. I love
individuality, I’ll often ask my class mates where they bought
something, like a hair bobble and they’ll tell me ‘oh it was 99p
next to the lollies at that little shop on the corner.’ I think
being able to create your own distinct look is an art.
Your favourite music track?
Right now I’m listening to loads of old ‘Tribe Called Quest’ and
I’ve got the ‘Drive’ soundtrack on repeat! But my favourite track
of the moment is the acoustic version of ‘Love you so’ by Delilah
which she did for i-D online’s i-N session.
Tell us about your design process and your most recent
collection?
My design process usually begins with a certain mood or aesthetic
that I’m interested in at the time. I’ll then spend a lot of time
researching particular imagery from which I’ll begin sketching
ideas and sourcing fabrics. Usually I’ll have quite a strong
vision in terms of silhouette and fabrics then it’s a case of
marrying the two. My most recent collection is inspired by the
juxtaposition of artfully structured three-dimensional garments and
austere graphic shapes. I wanted to pioneer new and exciting shapes
to bridge the gap between cerebral and playful using an
experimental colour palette and rigorous attention to cut, detail
and manufacture.
Describe your life or work in
six words?
A conflict of pleasure and success.
What are you looking forward to in the remainder of
2012?
I’m looking forward to taking the next step in my career, landing
the job of my dreams and meeting some fantastic people. Oh, and a
long blow out holiday.
As featured in Unfolded Magazine Issue 08