10 Questions for Fashion Graduate Hannah

Hannah Moran-Jackson is a strong Fashion Design student who will be graduating this coming November. During her time at Griffith, she created her own H.M.J brand.

H.M.J is a brand that incorporates unique playful prints that aim to evoke a sense of nostalgia and happiness in its customers. It allows its consumer to feel empowered by using comfortable free fitting designs produced at the highest quality. It includes hand quilting for added warmth and texture.

Her final year collection 'N95talgia' is all about fun prints and comfort for that young, always on the go, independent woman. Children's artwork inspired the print & H.M.J collaborated with a group of young art class students to create it. Key Pieces include thick layered trousers, quilted oversized coat with a waterproof fabric and Faux Leather Mesh Leggings.

1. How did you become interested in fashion?

From a young age, I was always interested in fashion. My Mum studied fashion and my Nana used to sew so they both taught me how to sew and use a domestic sewing machine. As a hobby, I used to remake old clothes when I was in school so I was always doing something in the fashion area.

2. Describe a typical day in the life of a fashion student at Griffith College.

Being a fashion student our main modules were studio, pattern and design. They would each usually take up a full day themselves. Other days, we'd have professional practice in the morning then have our lunch and go back into design communications in the afternoon.

3. What did you enjoy most from your time studying fashion design in Griffith College?

My favourite part of the fashion course was that it only took in a small number of students each year so each module you study you get the lecturer's full attention and it’s easier to learn. Another benefit of having a small number of students in your course is that you get to make close friends that you’ll have throughout your course.

4. What was your favourite module in college and why?

My favourite module was Studio. I loved designing and it was a broad area so you had the freedom to experiment and research what you wanted to do. It’s also a practical module so it’s very hands on which was my favourite part about studying fashion.

5. What inspired you with your final year collection?

My collection was inspired by my travels to Australia last summer. I visited my old family friends who moved over there when I was six. I was inspired by the movement of the professional surfers on the waves and the intricate architecture of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. I also decided to collaborate with a group of art students between the ages of four to twelve years. They helped me design a childlike print which I decided to do as I was visiting childhood friends while I was in Australia. By collaborating with children, I wanted the print to evoke nostalgia in my customer.

6. In 5 years’ time, what do you hope to be doing?

I hope to be a designer in a company such as Primark or Pretty Little Thing. They're very fast fashion companies which is the environment I feel I would work best in.

7. Who is your number one style icon?

I take fashion inspirations from different celebrities, I don’t like to stick with one style so I try to have a mix of them. I would look on sites such as Pinterest to see different street styles or Instagram pages such as Hyperbae to get some fashion inspiration.

8. What advice would you give to any Secondary school students that are interested in studying design?

Studying fashion is a very intense course which will take up the majority of your time, so I would say make sure it’s something that you’re really interested in. It's such a rewarding course to study and the time flies by so don’t be afraid to try different things when you're studying it.

9. What do you think people will be wearing in ten years?

The thing about fashion is that trends always come and go again. 90's inspired fashion is set to be a major trend for 2018 so you can never really tell what fashion will be so far in advance.

10. You are currently doing an internship with Primark and also won an internship in Avoca. How is it going so far? 

I am currently interning full-time with Primark in the ladies wear department and I love it! I am doing a lot of trend forecasting and some designing for performance and swimwear. I hope that when I go to intern with Avoca I'll be doing work along the same lines as I am now in Primark.

Photographer: Juste Brazauskaite | Models: Hannah McAteer & Katelyn Kearney | Make-up & hair: Hannah McAteer