Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia might be over for another year, but we’re still talking about all the incredible runway shows and every item added to the top of our wishlists (in between all things royal wedding, of course).
To help us refine those shopping carts, Hansen & Gretel designer Ainsley Hansen reveals the trends to look out for next season and the H&G items sure to fly off the shelves.
Your show was such a standout, what was the inspiration behind it?
Our Resort 18/19 Collection unveils the various expressions of the feminine personality. As a woman, we are made up of many things and our collection ‘Eve’ really represented this. Looking back to the past to understand our present was a wonderfully personal journey. Sporty cuts, glistening evening wear and all the core destination wear silhouettes really showcase a woman’s multifaceted nature, with a strength and elegance that is synonymous with the Hansen & Gretel brand and wearer.
What were your favourite runway looks from the show?
Casting models is made up of fleeting moments between girls. For this collection, I really tried to connect with the person within and worked with what they individually emanated. I then looked to the collection to see what particular elements of ‘Eve’ they could amplify. This runway felt very personal to me, and I wanted every woman a part of it to feel that purpose. The candied apple red suiting feels like such a classic Hansen & Gretel signature.
Styling this back with turquoised eyes was a nod to my childhood, playing with mother’s beauty case. The silver leaf choker was a somewhat throwback to my teens. What was really special were a few models personally contacting me after the show and sincerely thanking me for how beautiful and empowered they felt wearing our pieces. That just meant so much. Rachel (Rutt) was one of the first girls I ever photographed in the brand so it felt full circle when she closed the runway.
Which key pieces from the new collection do you think will fly off the shelves?
We are so privileged to be an accessible luxury brand where so many women of different ages, budgets and backgrounds find the perfect fit. Each season our linen and silk stories are always a strong category for us, as well as our signature tees. Evening wear is an area we are seeing a lot of engagement in so we are designing more into this every collection. Additionally, we are launching a limited edition racewear capsule this September and look forward to offering this annually.
Key sales pieces could probably include the Nicole dress. The Gideon top, as our customers love out shirting and fabric details, the Jasper printed serpent shirt. All our hardware (buttons) throughout the collection feature the words “too many lovers, not enough time”. I enjoy designing with a playful edge and this attention to detail is something I hope to always offer our shopper. The Phillipa dress would do so well as it a new shape and women are really loving square necklines and corsetry at the moment.
What trends do you predict will be big this season?
Angular necklines, particularly squared and nude sequins.
Who would you most love to dress?
I sincerely get a kick out of walking past the girl on the street wearing Hansen & Gretel, or seeing them dining or dancing when out and about. I design for the everyday woman, no matter what their occasion, so my biggest joy is seeing our garments worn inside that reality. It’s such a compliment knowing someone like my mum feels comfortable and beautiful in Hansen & Gretel, while some of my young 20-something friends like Mimi (Elashiry) and Carmen (Hamilton) – who have access to extraordinary designer wardrobe’s – still text and say they need H&G!
Can you describe the Hansen & Gretel woman?
Defiant, elegant, playful.
What’s the best piece of fashion advice you’ve been given?
Tuck your shirt in front and back or leave the whole thing out.
What’s your career highlight?
Watching our resort collection ‘Eve’ hit the runway. There was so much of me and every woman in this narrative. It’s a tender moment when you step back and absorb how far a business has come and as a self-funded brand it can often feel so much more personal. I appreciate our strong team who are another career highlight of mine. We invest so much into nurturing and mentoring our staff and creating a genuinely happy working environment, ensuring the foundation of Hansen & Gretel continues to build around the idea of sisterhood, a womanhood, guardianship so to speak because supporting one another professionally and emotionally is so important.
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