Uniukiyo

Timeless Threads: The Vision of Hannah Soukup

Exploring the Artistic Journey of Fashion Designer Hannah Soukup

Hannah Soukup’s journey as a fashion designer is deeply rooted in her unique upbringing in rural West Virginia. Surrounded by craftsmanship and artistic expression, she has transformed her experiences into a powerful creative force. From learning to sew at an early age to collaborating with esteemed designers, Hannah’s path is marked by resilience and innovation. Join us as we delve into her inspiring story, exploring the challenges, achievements, and future goals that define her brand.

Event: EE BAFTA Film Awards Date: Sunday February Venue: Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London, U K Hosts: Richard E Grant (Ceremony Host), Alison Hammond (Studio Host), Ali Plumb & Vick Hope (Red Carpet Hosts) Area: Offic

Career Beginnings and Journey

Crafting Identity Through Handmade Heritage
Hannah’s journey as a fashion designer began in a mountainous area of West Virginia, where she was immersed in a culture of handmade craftsmanship fostered by her “back-to-the-land” parents. Her mother’s sewing skills shaped her early experiences, as Hannah learned to sew at a young age. Additionally, raising sheep provided her with hands-on knowledge of every step in the textile process—from shearing to spinning.

Her father, a furniture maker, introduced her to concepts of proportion and craftsmanship, instilling high standards in her work. Hannah’s childhood was enriched by handmade pieces from her family, including braided rugs and intricately sewn quilts, which deepened her appreciation for the stories and history behind each item.

At age 13, she began playing her great-grandfather’s violin, discovering a medium through which she could express herself artistically. The discipline and artistry she honed in her music studies have become fundamental to her design process. After studying printmaking and apparel design at RISD and apprenticing under Ralph Rucci and Iris Van Herpen, Hannah’s creative journey expanded beyond fashion. Her exposure to experimental and conceptual art has shaped her distinct perspective, allowing her work to evolve freely without adhering to traditional branding.

Challenges and Achievements

Navigating Industry Obstacles
One of the significant challenges Hannah faced as a designer was learning to brush off insincere and undermining individuals within the industry. While her early experiences with Ralph Rucci’s collaborative studio were positive, she soon recognized the rarity of such integrity in the fashion world. Consequently, this realization has made her value the honest relationships she has built with loyal peers.

Balancing side jobs while nurturing her own creative work has also posed difficulties. As Hannah handles every aspect of her process—designing, patterning, and sewing—she faces the ongoing challenge of self-doubt and the pressure to feel that her work is never “done” or “good enough.”

Hannah Soukup Colorful Loopknit

Memorable Milestones
Hannah’s achievements are highlighted by meaningful collaborations, notably creating custom pieces for renowned costume designer Sandy Powell. Crafting garments for someone with Sandy’s expertise has been both thrilling and intimidating. The rewarding experience of seeing her designs come to life on a respected figure in the industry has profoundly shaped Hannah’s creative journey.

Vision for the Brand

Crafting Emotional Connections Through Design
What sets Hannah apart in the fashion industry is her focus on emotional exploration, translating intimate, internal experiences into her designs. Rather than adhering to fleeting trends, she aspires to develop a language that allows for individual interpretation and emotional resonance. Her garments are not mere clothing; they are wearable sculptures that reflect her meticulous attention to detail and commitment to technical precision.

Hannah’s creative process involves obsessive refinement of lines and proportions, always seeking a harmonious balance between form and function. Her goal is to create timeless pieces that resonate with wearers on both emotional and intellectual levels.

Hannah Soukup Loops

Advice and Insights

Guidance for Aspiring Designers
For those looking to establish their own fashion brand, Hannah offers valuable advice:

  1. Master the Basics: Learn pattern-making and sewing to innovate beyond mere sketches. Creating and wearing your designs will deepen your understanding and refine your craft.
  2. Broaden Your Perspective: Cultivate knowledge of politics, history, and culture. Continuous learning will help you understand the broader context in which fashion operates.
  3. Build a Supportive Community: Surround yourself with diverse, creative individuals. Share resources and uplift one another to foster a stronger, more resilient creative community.

Managing Pressures and Expectations

Staying Resilient in a Competitive Industry
Hannah acknowledges that the pressures of fitting into predefined roles in the fashion world can be overwhelming. To combat this, she intentionally sets boundaries around her budget, materials, and timelines. By nurturing a vibrant studio atmosphere, she encourages the exploration of new ideas and maintains the excitement of constant evolution.

Hannah Soukup Process

Future Goals

Embracing Innovation in Fashion
Looking ahead, Hannah is excited about the potential of 3D scanning technology to enhance pattern-making for diverse body types. She envisions a shift toward natural fiber manufacturing and sustainable design practices. For her, innovation stems from surrounding herself with creative thinkers and embracing human-centered approaches that prioritize ethical practices within the industry.

Personal Reflections

Lessons Learned on the Path to Success
Reflecting on her journey, Hannah recognizes that there are many things she would have approached differently. As she continues to grow and learn, she wishes she had set firmer boundaries to protect herself from negativity and burnout. Embracing a more fearless mindset will empower her to explore new projects without the weight of self-doubt.

Hannah Soukulp Unstable Foundation Pants

Creating a Unique Lifestyle

Embracing Playfulness and Community
To Hannah, a unique lifestyle embodies a playful and creative mindset that seeks beauty in the world. She believes in the importance of engaging with nature and building connections within her local community. By surrounding herself with resourceful individuals, Hannah nurtures a lifestyle that reflects the distinctiveness of her brand and her artistic vision.


Instagram 

Website