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I get pleasure out of breaking the rules and making something work regardless.
Hannah Sider is an 19 year fashion student from Toronto, Canada. Read her thoughts on her blog THREE.OF.HEARTS.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
At the moment, I am at University studying Fashion Communications. I also work as an intern at the Diesel Toronto Showroom, a server at the student restaurant and a bartender at afterhours parties - it's a wonder that I have time for LB! The Toronto fashion scene is definitely progressing, but it is still nothing close to the fashion capitals of the world. Canadians tend to be very safe in their fashion choices and there is not a big market for avante garde designers or really fashion-forward designs. Looking at my peers, I see an abundance of American Apparel and Urban Outfitters, which I suppose makes it easy to stand out. There are a few Canadians on LOOKBOOK.nu who are more adventurous in their fashion choices (Yibram is one of my favourites) but, unfortunately, they are largely outnumbered.
What do you love about living in Toronto?
It is so convenient and whatever you could possibly need is available around the clock. I never have to go very far to get anything (which is good because our public transit is a joke) and I get many opportunities and experiences that aren't accessible to most people. Toronto is also an extremely multicultural city and there are many benefits to that. You can see in my looks, for example, how many great pieces I've discovered in Chinatown. The clothing is usually not the best quality, but it's like nothing that you can find at the mall. The other nice thing is that there is always so much going on and the nightlife can be pretty wild - it's impossible to keep up with! I suppose this can be a good thing and a bad thing. Last, but not least: Cheap sushi everywhere. Need I say more?
Describe your personal style and its influences / inspiration.
I grew up in Malawi (Africa), and so I think from a very early age I realized that having style and having money did not have to be intertwined. The African women present themselves so well! They wear the most brilliant colours and beautiful printed fabrics - that cost next to nothing. Thus, my personal style is inexpensive but creative.
I think I have so many sources of inspiration, that I could not even list them—and the majority of them aren't even conscious influences. One thing that really inspires my fashion choices are websites like LOOKBOOK.nu, The Sartorialist, Face Hunter, Hel-looks to name a few. There is such a thrill at being able to see the way people in other countries dress—which is probably why i buy so many foreign magazines.
Favorite designers and places to shop?
Some of my current favourite designers and labels are Balenciaga, Giles Deacon, Daniel Palillo, Henrik Vibskov, Elizabeth & James, Alexander Wang, Yves Saint Laurent, Diesel, Rick Owens and Stella McCartney. As a student, these are out of budget... so I am notorious for raiding thrift stores all over the city. I enjoy the hunt almost as much as I enjoy finding perfect pieces.
Do you think a student budget forces you to be more creative?
Absolutely. 100%. What choice do I have? Unless I spent all my student loans...
The first thing you look at in another person's outfit is:
I tend to look at the outfit as a whole, and pay attention to the details - What accessories have they added? How have they customized the outfit? It really matters how you rock it too. Displaying confidence in your style can really boost a look.
What do you splurge on?
As I mentioned, paying tuition fees is inconducive to splurging. I have a pair of black harem pants that I spent $50 on and I had to seriously debate it for a couple days. I skilled enough in my vintage-hunting that I often discover items that are worth far more then what I pay. In comparison to the rest of my clothing, I probably spend the most on shoes and legwear. I absolutely love long socks and tights - and if they something unique about them then I cannot resist.
What do you skimp on?
Everything!
A fashion rule you never break:
I believe you can be true to your style and still dress respectfully and mindfully of the occasion. For example, I am not going to wear jeans to an interview and I am not going to show to much skin at school.
A fashion rule you always break:
I mix brown and black, navy and black, gold and silver... you name it! I actually get pleasure out of breaking the "fashion rules" and making something work regardless. I bought a pair of black velvet pants a couple months ago simply because they were so ugly. I was excited to face the challenge of pulling them off.
Is this "challenge" the driving force behind fashion for you?
I think it must be. Being somewhat of a perfectionist and never fully satisfied, I'm sure I've applied this to fashion. You can always take it to another level or do something totally different and outrageous, which is likely a driving force for me.
Favorite color(s) of the moment:
Black and grey, with accents of colour. I don't think I could pick a favourite, but I love teal.
What is the most underrated item in menswear and womenswear?
Accessories, for sure. I know that I can't see an outfit as complete without them. The right jewellery, a belt, a scarf, or even a pair of socks can have a massive impact on your outfit.
What do you think is the latest trend to appear, and what are your thoughts on it?
I love the throwbacks to the 70's punk style. Studs, ripped clothing, motorcycle boots, leather jackets... I don't wear it as a whole outfit, rather, I'd balance it out with something softer and more feminine. I used to be a little punk in my early teens and I still have my wonderful Doc Martens from those days.
What is your next must have purchase?
Leather pants!
Are there any fashion icons or famous people whose style you admire?
Once again, I have so many influences! Two modern day fashion icons that I admire are Kate Lanphear, Style Director of US Elle, and Leigh Lezark, of the Misshapes. I actually just blogged about them here.
What's on your iPod / bookshelf / DVD player at the moment?
I love music almost as much as fashion. Lately I have been listening to lots of Tegan and Sara, Bonde do Role, Ellen Allien, Emily Haines, Crookers, Yelle... don't ask me to continue or I'll be up all night. Right now I am reading The Covenant, by James A. Michener, and one of my all-time favourite movies that I will never get sick of is The Warriors.
Next place you want to travel to:
Scandinavia! And this website has only perpetuated it... How are you all so well-dressed?
Scandinavian countries are just so fashion-forward, and I don't think it's a conscious effort on their part either. They seem to have this attitude that doesn't care what the rest of the world thinks and it is very appealing. I also am so inspired by their innovative simplicity. It's like Richie Rankin said earlier this year about Sweden, "[it] has become a Mecca, of sorts, to design purists around the world."
What is your personal favorite outfit on LOOKBOOK.nu by you, and by another member?
Really tough question.
For me: In The Event That Everything Should Go Terribly Wrong
For guys, one of my favourites is: Distressed
For girls, one of my favourites is: Grey scale
Something about yourself most people don't know:
I have 3 fabulous younger sisters and the best younger brother in the world.
What can't you live without?
See previous question! Or rather, family in general. I don't see them often because they don't live near Toronto, but my phone bills will tell you that there is no lack of communication.
What is the ultimate showpiece in your closet?
I have this unbelievable dress that I made from a women's XXL shirt and... it's pretty epic. It's silver leopard print and covered in glitter, but surprisingly not tacky. Or it's just so beyond ugly that I can't help but love it!
By the year 2010, you will be what/where:
I should be finishing off my degree and, at this rate, making some connections that will assist me on career path.
Where will fashion take you?
It's hard to say at this point. I love fashion and many aspects of it, but I don't necessarily agree with the fashion industry. I'm very passionate about visual art, writing, graphic design, photography, styling... With the help of some unusually talented friends, a magazine is currently in the works. I also hold the belief that traveling is a valuable part of an education, so I hope to conduct some serious "globe-trotting" before I find my place.
Our November interview Erika wants to know: what do you have in your fridge?
Without getting up and looking... I am going to say veggie dogs, soy milk, chocolate pudding, honey brown rice bread, fruit, eggs, butter, cheese and PICKLES
We love that you and Erika are friends! Were you two friends before LOOKBOOK?
Erika and I have known each other for years, although I (embarrassingly) confess that it was initially through myspace. We hung out for the first time this summer and were amazed at how much we had in common and upset that we hadn't hung out earlier! It's crazy actually. Sometimes I think we're living parallel lives in different cities because our lives literally seem to fully coincide in every aspect. I wish I got to see more of her but we are texting all the time.
What should we ask the next interviewee?
I'll stick with the food theme from the last interview and ask them what kind of ice cream they like best!
What would you say to someone seeking general fashion advice?
Ultimately, be true to yourself and seek out your own inspiration and style icons. I think that sums it up.
Chelsi S.: November 18, 2008
yay!
love her
go toronto lookbookers:)
Hannah S. (@HannahSider): November 19, 2008
gotta represent!
Nadia M.: November 18, 2008
hannah you're so cute :)
Hannah S. (@HannahSider): November 19, 2008
merci beaucoup!
Nelson D. (@ndcjunior): November 18, 2008
wow you're finally here! =))
so cute, so lovely!
"I have this unbelievable dress that I made from a women's XXL shirt and... it's pretty epic. It's silver leopard print and covered in glitter, but surprisingly not tacky. Or it's just so beyond ugly that I can't help but love it!"
i wanna see ;))
Hannah S. (@HannahSider): November 19, 2008
oh, it's coming
Nelson D. (@ndcjunior): November 19, 2008
i cant wait! hihi ;))
Lucas S.: November 18, 2008
Great read.
Dr. Rank0r W.: November 18, 2008
word! keep up the spirit! but be aware of university studies - never ever let critical theory bring fashion down as yet another "illusion" of theirs! fashion is a lovely game to play, a true expression of just another reality.
Hannah S. (@HannahSider): November 19, 2008
ah, words of wisdom!
Adeline R. (@adelinerapon): November 18, 2008
I love this interview
you're really unique
Hannah S. (@HannahSider): November 19, 2008
thank you, Adeline! you're always so nice
Vlad C.: November 18, 2008
good read. your fashion philosophy is unconventional. yet, its uniqueness is te best thing about it.
Hannah S. (@HannahSider): November 19, 2008
i'd like to think so :)
Megan M.: November 18, 2008
so basically when i come to toronto next i'm photographing/hanging out with erika AND you. oui?
love you and love all of your looks, but you already know that :]
Hannah S. (@HannahSider): November 19, 2008
i can't wait!
Erika A.: November 18, 2008
Hannah rocked those black velvet pants.
Hannah S. (@HannahSider): November 19, 2008
;)
Dani G.: November 18, 2008
Wow, you're such a creative and energetic person. You couldn't be any more likeable and inspiring!
Hannah S. (@HannahSider): November 19, 2008
thanks, love! such a nice compliment
Eszter F.: November 18, 2008
now i like you even more x)
Cathy Grete Cabriele K. (@cc2tu): November 18, 2008
i'm a big fan of Tegan And Sara too, love their music, and the interview is so inspiring :) the fact that you lived in Africa makes u even more unique . :)
Hannah S. (@HannahSider): November 19, 2008
half a mill for bail...
Cathy Grete Cabriele K. (@cc2tu): November 19, 2008
all because this fool was harassin' them . .
Love Child S.: November 18, 2008
Yey Hannah! I hope Nouk's next.
Barton S.: November 18, 2008
Yeah! ! ! ! !
very nice interview
Katy T. (@katyclaire): November 19, 2008
i'm so glad you were finally interviewed.
Little Monster .: November 19, 2008
i love her style
Stella P.: November 19, 2008
so interesting. good job hannah.
Beija F. (@psdonmfo): November 19, 2008
The greatest of all time! Way to be represented! You're HYPEr-real!
Celeste C.: November 19, 2008
"I bought a pair of black velvet pants a couple months ago simply because they were so ugly. I was excited to face the challenge of pulling them off."
EXACTLY.
Missy L. (@missalation): November 19, 2008
you're so creative!
it's inspiring :)
Anahi P.: November 19, 2008
I knew You were next in here...
You just have that something that makes everyone loves you
=)
Punky M.: November 19, 2008
Go Hannah! You're great!
Sara F.: November 19, 2008
You're so amazingly pretty and stylish and I think you'll make it in the fashion industry. You have the spirit ;)
E. F.: November 19, 2008
you're the cutest on lookbook! i usually like your outfits, but even in the (very few, well 1 or 2 mostly:p) that i don't personally like, your face makes me smile so much and the way you carry your outfits makes me think you would even look adorable in a sack:)
Johan A. (@nihilisten): November 20, 2008
im secretly in love with you ;)
Mark M.: November 20, 2008
FINALLY YOU GOT AN INTERVIEW!!!!
Chelsea A. (@AkaChelsea): November 20, 2008
I've gotta say, you're phenomenal - your attitude as a whole seems really great, and your outfits are equally fabulous. It's inspiring, also, that you spend so little yet look so stellar - something that I definitely need to work on, myself! Hopefully in two or three years (or sooner,) I will be doing what you are.
Yuka I.: November 20, 2008
and it it safe to say, i love you even more now!
Yan C.: November 20, 2008
You and Erika are my favorite in LOOKBOOK~
Melanie Lane *.: November 21, 2008
I think thrifting is the best way to go about it. you can get as creative as you like, and know very few others will have what you have. it is like digging for gems! and you put it together so very well! you have a great sense of style.
Zoë D.: November 21, 2008
wow, africa! I never knew that about you, that makes you very intresting (I think) I like that you are humble for the amount of attention you get, most people would have such a big head having the most hype on lookbook. good interview nice to see what goes on in your head.
Renée S.: November 21, 2008
yay, nice to know a little bit more about you :) you really make me wanna go to toronto! why oh why are plain tickets so expensive!
Trav G.: November 22, 2008
great read..i enjoyed it
Joshua K. (@StreetEtiquette): November 22, 2008
nice interview here , feel like i know you that much more now lol , its amazing you just see people post outfits , but you don't really know what they're thinking until they're interviewed. good
Oskar V.: November 22, 2008
hannah!
Beija F. (@psdonmfo): November 22, 2008
i'm surrounded by greatness... (btw... how was clbtrsh last night?)
Connie D.: November 23, 2008
you are too adorable. im new to lookbook, and youre definitely on of my favs to hype! i love that your looks are so genuinely special and one of a kind, and its totally hard to find that when everyone is constantly conforming to the predictable look. love it!! congrats
Niilo L.: November 23, 2008
wow, you like daniel palillo? =) it's so rare to hear someone mention a finnish designer!
Calli C.: November 23, 2008
hi !
come to montreal gurrrl.
Crystal W.: November 24, 2008
Its about time you got up here. Lovely interview.
You're my idol :)
and score for someone else who truly appreciates the benefits of thrifting!
Stine H.: November 25, 2008
You are too awesome, Hannah!
Reena N. (@CallMeReena): November 25, 2008
SHES SO GREAAAAT
Vanessa V.: November 25, 2008
this was a great read :)
Kaysee L.: November 26, 2008
yay! love it how you spend little and looks so brillant. it's an art, really.
Atmt :. (@taniamirella): November 27, 2008
coool look n personality~ <3
Sey V.: November 28, 2008
You're so super adorable! Great style and personality. And yayy another torontonian!
Catha S.: November 28, 2008
hanna.. you are my little idol here in lookbook :) you're great
Megan A.: November 28, 2008
you rule! hahaha and i have a bunch of leather pants i'll hook you up ;)
Bettina B.: November 29, 2008
You rock Hannah! ;)
Ula F. (@adamantwanderer): November 29, 2008
I love Hanna's style! :)
Celine B.: December 3, 2008
i like it too much
your beautiful , and clothes (l)
j'adore
Hanic K.: December 3, 2008
yes, go get leather pants!!! its totally awesome i was obsessed with mine for months. totally marianne faithfull! btw, you are awesome which has been long established by now.
Elise V.: December 4, 2008
you are officially my hero!
Camo G.: December 5, 2008
HANNAA! you are my fav fav fav!
Johan A. (@nihilisten): December 7, 2008
if you ever come to sweden i'll be glad to show you around, but i should warn you their isnt really that much to see.
Irene N.: December 12, 2008
wow i love this interview! and you are so nice =D
Taylor K.: December 31, 2008
you are such an inspiration
wow.
Charlene Ashley D. (@candydoll07): January 1, 2009
Felicitation!
Top Cat *.: January 4, 2009
you are very inspiring. fantastic to read more about you and i 1millionth the request to see that dress! haha
Sherley L. (@sherleylueis): January 11, 2009
i love hannah :D
Matteo G.: February 6, 2009
nice ... I completely agree on the black/navy combo to break out the rules of fashion !!!
ps : the warriors it's one of my favourite movies too
Rebecca A.: March 8, 2009
OH, so cute!
Wendy T.: March 8, 2009
your an inspiration to everyone here in toronto. amazzzing! :)
Aidan E.: March 16, 2009
i want an interview!
Kassandra G.: April 4, 2009
Stunning dress. Fantastic!
Frank R. (@bcshemademe): June 21, 2009
youre so fly
Mika T.: August 14, 2009
Amen about the cheap sushi part.
If I saw you among the streets of Toronto, I probably would start taking pictures...
...I'm kidding.
But I would be amazed seeing your style in person.
Great interview.
Christy T.: September 16, 2009
wow, you're really amazing:)
i bet you'll do great towards the fashion career!
Mak A.: October 25, 2009
i think i missed the boat on the time for commenting, but nonetheless i have to say that you are awesome Hannah! honestly your creativety, modesty, and just plain good looks make you an inspiration to behold. keep up the good work!