One week before the start of her final year of Fashion Promotion and Marketing at Winchester School of Art, Hannah Day receives a phone call. It was a job offer, and not your average Saturday job working down the local pub either. This one came with an all expenses paid trip to Paris, working as a model for one of the industry’s most prestigious talents.
The phone conversation she had was with designer Emilio de la Morena, a London-based designer who was scheduled to show at Paris Fashion Week just one week later. He was looking for a model to help showcase his SS12 collection and, after being dissatisfied with the professional girls he had interviewed so far, a former WSA alumni happened to drop in Hannah’s name. With only graduate designer photo shoots under her modeling belt, Hannah embarked on a trip to London for an interview with the designer and, five days later, found herself packing her bags for Paris.
Caught up in dream-like essence of the City of Light, she was presented with a unique opportunity to gain insight into the industry not only as a model but as a designer, buyer and photographer too. Catching her on her return, FUSSED gets the low down on her sensational Parisian adventure.
What was the stand-out point of your trip?
I got to do so many things and meet so many amazing people, including Emilio himself. I spent a lot of time with people from all different fields of the industry so it was really valuable to gain so many different perspectives. It would be impossible to pin-point one particular moment; it is all like an incredible dream.
What is the worst part of a model’s job working at Paris Fashion Week?
The long hours! Starting work from 9.30am and finishing sometimes as late as 1am can certainly be stressful, and wearing heels for twelve hours flat is no walk in the park either! I think the waiting around for direction is what got to me. My days were full of being told to “wait here”, “put these clothes on”, or “change into this”. It’s a lot of preparation for an actual photoshoot or meeting.
How would you describe Emilio and his current s/s12 collection?
I would definitely say this is Emilio's most wearable collection to date, it’s so feminine and chic. It is based on a trip to Mexico Emilio made earlier on in the year. The collection was inspired by the Day of the Dead. The blossom that features on some of the garments represents the marigold flower that is a big part of the festival. Some of the textures and colours were taken from other aspects of the celebration, like the abundance of piņatas and the vibrant skull illustrations.
What was Emilio’s look for this collection?
For the lookbook shoot that I was a part of, I had my hair very sleek in a plait that was then wound into a tight bun. The look was really fresh and natural; brown eye shadow gave natural definition to my eye sockets, whilst mascara completed the femininity of the collection. It was simple yet elegant, keeping the focus on Emilio’s stunning bold prints!
What beauty product could you have not survived without in Paris?
Benefit’s bronzing Hoola powder. I wear it every day all day and it travels everywhere with me in my bag! It gives a bronzing glow over your foundation, I’d feel so pale without it.
And finally, how do you think your experience in Paris will help shape the rest of your career?
The luxury designer side of the industry is a very close group of people, everyone knows everyone. I think if anything it's made me realise how important it is to network, meet people in the industry and experience first hand what you’re aiming to be a part of.
