FC: The last time we spoke (beginning of 06) you had launched your first capsule collection and decided to devote more time to research and development, how did that go and what progress did you make during the rest of the year?

Hannah: I previously launched a range purely as a test run and to start the PR wheels rolling, which was part of 12 month research and development period. This was to essentially learn more about my target market and the logistics of actually running a business.

FC: Your A/W 07/08 collection (Quiet Noise) looks incredibly striking and sexy, tell us a bit about the inspiration behind it…

Hannah: The debut collection Quiet Noise is a capsule collection featuring 12 dresses. I decided to start by focusing on the dress, as it is one of the most versatile, effortless garments to wear. For this Autumn/Winter 07 range I did an all black collection with strong silhouettes. The distinctive signature is the Braille coding featured within the collection by subtle embossing, laser cutting and laser etching.

FC: The images for the collection are very sleek and graphic did you have this vision for your range from the outset or was it the result of collaborating with the team – photographer / make-up artist / model etc…

Hannah: From day one I knew I wanted to create a set of strong images that showed the silhouettes of each dress. I was fortunate to work with an incredible team; fashion photographer David Lam, stylist Rebekah Roy, make-Up artist Jodie Tripp and model Emily Strange at Pineal Eye.

FC: You exhibited at On|Off during LFW last February how was that experience?

Hannah: The experience of exhibiting my first trade collection at On|Off was fantastic, and on the first morning I secured my first shop order – from TAD in Milan and Rome – they are concept stores which also sell Stella McCartney and Basso & Brook. I also met a lot of press and stylists etc.

FC: Did you exhibit anywhere else throughout the season?

Hannah: I didn’t exhibit any where else – only London. However, I recently had a sales agent take my label on and they will be selling the next collection for Spring/Summer 2008 at their showroom, as well as during the coming Paris Fashion Week.

FC: How are you coping with the financial pressures that go hand in hand with being a new fashion label?

Hannah: The financial aspect to the business is incredibly difficult, especially as I’m only a few months into the business and there are many unexpected costs that crop up. The Princes Trust supported me to begin with a small business start up loan, which initially helped. I have been able to overcome some expenses by producing a capsule collection of only 12 dresses. However, I now have a PR company and Sales agent so will have to duplicate the next collection as it has to be in two places at the same time!

FC: Any new stockists that you can tell us about?

Hannah: The Autumn/Winter 07 collection is sold at TAD Milano, TAD Roma and fantastic online boutique www.ninaandlola.com, which also stocks independent labels such as luxury menswear jewellery by the very talented Hannah Martin.

FC: And what about press coverage, I heard you’ve been getting a fantastic response to your A/W collection…

Hannah: The response has been fantastic, especially with some coverage in the August issue of British Vogue. I recently appointed an Iroquois PR to handle all press relations which allows me to spend more time focusing on the business developments and the collections moving forward.

FC: Future plans for the Hannah Marshall label?

Hannah: Plans at the moment are to exhibit the next collection at September’s On|Off during London Fashion Week, then go to Paris where my sales agent will be conducting appointments with buyers. I am currently working on a special one-off piece in for On|Off in collaboration with Vogue Italia and Peroni which will be exhibited in a special installation.

Hannah Marshall will be exhibiting once again at On|Off – 17^th – 20^th September during London Fashion Week at the Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington Gardens, London W1.

Thanks to Hannah Marshall

http://www.hannahmarshall.com/

Image credits:

Interview by JoJo Iles