Magazine: KNOW Magazine
Model: Hannah Do
Photographer: Paul Tocatlian
Photo Editor: Pia Gould
THE INTERVIEW
Hannah Do, as someone who works both in front of and behind the camera as a model and wardrobe stylist, respectively, how do you feel these two roles interact and influence each other in your work?
My dual roles as a model and a wardrobe stylist really do influence each other in several ways. For example, having spent hours in front of the camera as a model, I’m acutely aware of the significance of the clothes I’m wearing. I need to not only look good in them, but also feel confident, comfortable, and able to move freely. These considerations profoundly inform my decisions when I’m choosing outfits for other models. Conversely, working as a stylist has equipped me with an in-depth understanding of elements like silhouettes, color theories, fabric behavior, and what visually translates well on camera. This knowledge is incredibly valuable when I’m modeling, as I’m able to make choices that best suit the garments I’m wearing, the mood of the shoot, and the vision of the photographer.
In what ways has your personal experience as a model influenced the choices you make when curating pieces for the Kisau Clothing Collection? And conversely, how has curating this collection refined your approach to modeling?
When curating pieces for the Kisau Clothing Collection (www.kisau.com), my personal experiences as a model play an important role. I understand firsthand what it’s like to be in front of the camera wearing clothes that are visually striking but uncomfortable or impractical. Therefore, I consciously choose pieces that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also comfortable and functional for the models who will be wearing them during long shoots. On the other hand, being a curator has refined my approach to modeling by broadening my understanding of different styles and their impact on the overall aesthetics of a photoshoot. It’s like seeing the world of fashion from two different lenses – one is all about the individual in the clothes, and the other is about how the clothes create an atmosphere and tell a story. The synergy of these dual perspectives enables me to adapt more quickly to various photoshoot requirements, understand the designer’s vision more accurately, and convey it more authentically through my modeling.
Belamour Bijoux by Miae Nelson is known for its distinctive and stylish art fashion jewelry designs. As a spokesperson, how do you feel your background in styling helps you to represent this brand more effectively?
Representing Belamour Bijoux by Miae Nelson is indeed an honor and a privilege. I see every piece of her jewelry as a work of art with its own character and message. With my background in styling, I have a good understanding of how accessories can enhance an outfit, highlight specific features, or communicate a particular mood. This insight allows me to showcase and talk about the unique qualities of Belamour Bijoux’s pieces in a way that is more meaningful and relatable to potential customers.
Your work at Kisau Photograph and Belamour Bijoux has placed you in unique positions to influence fashion and styling. What common threads do you see between modeling and wardrobe styling that might not be apparent to the general public?
The common thread I see between modeling and wardrobe styling is the art of visual storytelling. Both trades require more than just a keen eye for beauty – they need an understanding of how various elements interact to create a compelling narrative. Modeling is much more than just striking a pose – it involves embodying a character, conveying a mood, or telling a story through body language and expressions. Similarly, styling is more than just arranging clothes. It involves carefully selecting and coordinating pieces to create a look that communicates the desired story or mood. My dual roles have given me a unique, 360-degree understanding of this narrative aspect in fashion, which, I believe, adds a layer of depth and sophistication to my work.
In your modeling and styling work, you must frequently transition between different styles and aesthetics. How does your dual role help you manage these transitions, and has it influenced your versatility or ability to adopt various looks and styles?
The constant need to adapt and evolve in both modeling and styling is indeed a challenge, but it’s one of the aspects I love most about my work. My experiences as a model have made me more flexible and open to various styles and aesthetics, while my work as a stylist has given me a deeper understanding of fashion trends and the art of combining different elements to create unique looks. This symbiotic relationship between the two roles makes me more dynamic and creative, regardless of whether I’m styling for a shoot or modeling for one. This dual perspective has also enriched my appreciation of fashion’s diversity, encouraging me to continuously explore and experiment with a wider range of looks and styles, ensuring that my work remains fresh, innovative, and ahead of the curve.
Kisau Photography 