Alberta Fashion Week Day 4 – Part 2 from Calgary Fashion on Vimeo.

For a designer who has no formal training in fashion design, Hannah Grant has a lot to show.  Grant’s clothing line, HanMade, took a risk showing at the week long fashion event; the collection could have easily been forgotten due to its lack of skill, and placed future perception of her talent in peril.  Grant, however, released a cohesive Spring/Summer collection, inspired by vintage posters advertising Spanish festivals, day four of Alberta Fashion Week.

Characteristics of HanMade included asymmetrical draping, fringe, lace, iridescent fabrics, and vintage hats.  Grant’s inspiration was apparent throughout the collection.  Memorable items from the designers collection was a cream one-piece jumpsuit made of silk and lace and a black off-shoulder dress with a beaded cinched waist and waved hem. Accessories stood out to Calgary Fashion, such as the vintage hats and head pieces adorned on each model. Button detail would also catch the eye in this collection.

It is questionable whether Grant possesses the design savviness and skill to attract and keep attention on her designs at the moment. Despite Grant’s cohesive presentation obtained through her repetition of fabric and technique, the collection lacked the layers and finishing of a more mature line.  HanMade did offer Alberta Fashion Week more than easy to wear pieces seen earlier in the week; her styling was bold and different, showing the audience a glimpse into the young designer’s developing talent.

In all, there is more to come from Grant and we look forward to watching this cherry blossom. With further training, focus, and honing of skill HanMade has potential to become an identifiable brand in Alberta’s fashion community.

Words by Melissa Wusaty

Photos by David Austin © 2009