If you take a look at all the movers and shakers who are disrupting our industries these days, you’ll realize that many of them are not even old enough to purchase alcohol. Well, I met quite an impressive 19 year-old from Omaha, Nebraska at Full Figured Fashion Week NYC who had me feeling quite old, and I’m only 28. At the tender age of 19, Hannah is a self-taught designer, seamstress, and business-owner. In fact, the seedlings for her company, Hannah Caroline Couture (HCC), were planted while she was still in high school where she sold custom-made fashion accessories to her classmates.
These days, Hannah will create a custom garment for you that is edgy, sophisticated and most importantly, form-fitting; there’s not much else a curvy girl can ask for. Oh, and did I mention her line was also featured at the Full Figure Fashion Week Runway Show?
Whether you’re a budding plus-size designer or someone in search of the perfect garment, you need to read the interview below and check out Hannah Caroline Couture, this girl is definitely someone to keep an eye on!
Natasha: What are the different types of clothing that you make?
Hannah: I am self-taught and I primarily make clothing for special occasions. I’ve made wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, dresses, tops, and skirts. I am working on adding Jackets and pants to what HCC offers.
Natasha: Who is your ideal customer?
Hannah: She is bold but not over the top. She wants her clothing to make a statement. She is not someone who wants to blend in. She is edgy and wants a youthful look.
Natasha: Is there a difference making clothing for straight sizes versus plus sizes?
Hannah: Yes, the two differences are 1) silhouettes and 2) fabrics. Silhouettes work for any straight size. However, there are better fabrics to work with for plus sizes. Thicker fabrics tend to be more flattering for plus sizes. Body types do come to mind as well. I prefer A-line garments because they are more flattering for different body types.
Natasha: What are some of the body types that you have worked with?
Hannah: So far, I’ve mostly worked with hourglass and pear shaped women. I have worked with some apple clients as well. I really like doing custom work because you can make the clothing fit the client’s body type. Personally, I support applying mens sizing to women because it is geared more to the fit of the person instead of using arbitrary numbers.
Natasha: What are some inspirations for your designs?
Hannah: My inspiration comes from architecture and material. I frequently go to Chicago to get my fabrics and find the textiles that inspire the clothing.
Natasha: What should a customer expect when she orders a custom-made garment from you?
Hannah: That the clothing will fit perfectly and look exactly like the agreed upon sketch. The garments I make are also made to last and are washing machine-friendly.
Natasha: What are your future plans for HCC?
Hannah: I would like to stay in Omaha to build the business and plus size industry here. I want to continue having the focus of the business on offering custom clothing. My focus is to have a localized impact on the Omaha fashion industry. I also want to come back to NYC Full Figured Fashion Week in 2016. I would love to collaborate with bigger brands like Ashley Stewart, and I would like to build out the wedding portion of the business.
CLICK HERE TO SHOP THESE LOOKS AT HCC!
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XOXO
~ Natasha
you go girl!!! 18 and starting a clothing line.. so much talent! she has so many accomplishments at such a young age, i could only imagine what she has in store! i think it is awesome how she customizes clothes for her customers. not everyone in this world is a size 00!! everyone has their own shape and size! its awesome how she uses men sizing to make the fit better! also the dresses she makes are adorable! hannah is defiantly on the right track to working with Ashley Stewart!!
I think you’re right Francesca! When you get a chance, please like our facebook page at facebook.com/dr8fashion and sign up for our newsletter because we will be featuring more interviews with young talent and other industry players in the plus size world on our blog! Thank you
Personality, passion and drive – and bundles of talent! Just the right ingredients to succeed! What an inspiration too.
Absolutely Lucy! Hannah is a wonderful person a very talented designer! Thanks for reading! We appreciate your support! Check out our post today!
i think this is awesome! shes so young and doing great things! first hand i can tell you as a 21 year old making clothing is hard! ii tried, it took me a whole night to make a very mediocre dress and the fact that she is making dresses for others and dresses as extensive as a wedding dress is just amazing! I also think its great she really taking in consideration how to design clothing for plus sized/curvy women. often times you walk into a clothing store and the plus size section is just filled with ugly garments that are unflattering. i think this is a great article, written very well and i like the interview added rather than just a recap!
Thanks Andrea! I really appreciate your support! Hannah is such an amazing talent and it will be great to see her as she changes the plus size industry. Please subscribe so you can stay up to date with updates on Dressing Room 8!
Those women are too big for those above the knee dresses.
Then how is it that they’re wearing them?
OMG.. incredible talent indeed
Very true Mitch! Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for our upcoming posts!
I loved this interview , it is incredible how much talent she has at 19 imagine what she will be like in 10 years? I loved the passion that was shown in the interview and it is clear to see that she is very talented xx http://www.fadedspring.co.uk/
Thanks Ana! Very true! Don’t forget to subscribe to get updates from Dressing Room 8!