Omaha Fashion Week's next season is just around the corner, and we're thrilled to share more about our amazing lineup of designers!
By the age of seven, Lauren Hansen of H.Art Studios had already started sewing. Her romantic designs fuse the past with the present. Read more about this sixteen year old's Victorian inspired collection that boasts a mix of hand beading and signature stitching.
Describe your brand. What are your personal goals, or goals for your brand?
My clothes are inspired by the Victorian era, mixed with modern grunge aesthetics and silhouettes. I mix prints, textures, and embellishments together to create something truly unique, giving a fresh twist on past fashion trends. My goal is to be a specialty boutique or couture house someday, selling garments that are all one of a kind. I want to be that next new designer, making garments for celebrities when they are dressing for red carpet events.
Describe your favorite project or projects that you have worked on.
My favorite project was my prom dress. Beading the whole thing took me 200 hours, but it was well worth all of the hard work in the end. It was the garment that got me discovered, and has given me the most opportunities thus far.
Describe the overarching ideas of your brand. How do you balance creativity and consistency in your work?
The two things that will indicate one of my garments are my signature stitch somewhere (it's usually on the lining), and some form of beadwork for every collective look. I usually keep themes for each collection to keep it cohesive. It also helps that the collections are based off of my life, so they keep consistent that way.
What inspired your new collection, and how are you interpreting that inspiration?
This collection was inspired by a personal life event. I decided, instead of being sad over this terrible situation, I would bring it all out in my work by doing something productive with my sadness and anger. Different silhouettes, colors, and sayings all pertain to the story and how I've redeemed myself. I feel like it could fit in with everything I have planned for the future or made in the past, because I have a certain aesthetic to my garments that are unique.
What signature styles or silhouettes do you feature in your line?
I use the sweetheart neckline on a few of my garments, as a statement to my original storyline of a woman having her heart broken. The high-low skirt, gloves, corsets, and baseball tee are also featured in a few of my looks.
To learn more about Lauren and her work, visit her website and follow along on Instagram as she continues to prepare for the runway in February! And be sure to grab tickets to Omaha Fashion Week February 27-March 3!