A Day with our Founder
On a summer morning in February, we spent time with our founder Hannah Kraus to reflect on the journey behind HANNAH, a story rooted in creativity, curiosity, and connection. From her earliest travels through India to her enduring love of traditional craft, Hannah shares the inspirations, memories, and philosophies that continue to shape the heart of the brand today.
What inspired you to start HANNAH? Was there a defining moment that made you take the leap?
HANNAH was born from a desire to blend my love of art, fashion, and traditional craftsmanship, working with communities in India to create beautiful, handmade pieces. The defining moment came while working in London’s art world; I felt a pull to create again, but in a way that was more accessible which resulted in the idea to create wearable art. That spark led me to India, where I had travelled with my mum, following a trail of generous introductions, and discovering incredible artisans that would become the heart of HANNAH.
If you could describe the essence of HANNAH in just a few words, what would they be?
Effortless, feminine, timeless, heirlooms, romantic and consciously made.
Where do you find inspiration most often? Travel, art or nature? Is there a recent moment that sparked a new idea for you?
Travel is my greatest source of inspiration, closely followed by art and different artistic techniques from around the world. Being married to an Italian we spend part of the year in Italy and I’m constantly inspired by the art of Italian dressing how thoughtfully and intentionally people build their wardrobes. They don’t just consume; they curate pieces with stories, heritage, and meaning. That philosophy deeply shapes my design approach, creating timeless garments that tell a story and transport you to beautiful places.
HANNAH designs are deeply connected to traditional techniques like woodblock printing. What drew you to this artisanal process?
I’m drawn to age-old techniques like woodblock printing because every step is done entirely by hand, there’s no trace of digital or modern technology, and that’s incredibly rare today. It’s a process steeped in history, unchanged for generations. What I love most is how many hands are involved along the way; each piece is the result of countless creative contributions. You can truly feel that human touch in the final garment, it carries a sense of completeness and soul.
Can you walk us through the journey of a HANNAH design, where does it begin, and how does it evolve into a finished piece?
Every HANNAH collection begins with a meaningful source of inspiration, often a place I’ve travelled to or a natural element that resonates with me deeply. For Spring 25, the journey began in Spain, a country I love for its rich artistry and culture. One of our signature prints was inspired by a vintage Spanish tile we discovered, which we then transformed into a hand-carved woodblock print. I’m especially proud of how it brings together the heritage of Spanish design with the craftsmanship of our Indian artisans. It’s that fusion of stories, cultures, and hands that gives each piece its soul and it’s something I’m looking forward to exploring in the future.
When you design, who do you imagine wearing your pieces? How does she move through the world?
I imagine a woman who is deeply curious, she travels to feel, to learn, to discover. She seeks out the handmade, the soulful, the one-of-a-kind treasures that tell a story. She surrounds herself with art and artists, constantly inspired by creativity in all its forms. Nature is her grounding force, she needs to be near it, to feel its energy, whether she’s walking barefoot through a garden or bringing natural beauty into her everyday spaces. A nomad at heart, she travels the world, collecting memories and leaving a little of herself along the way.
When you reflect on your journey so far, what are you most proud of? And what’s next for HANNAH?
I’m most proud of building a team of incredible women who are all united by a shared vision, to create pieces that help other women feel like the most beautiful, confident version of themselves. There’s so much heart behind what we do.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to expand HANNAH into a broader world of inspired offerings. Products that carry the same spirit, artistry, and intention, but beyond clothing. It’s about creating a lifestyle rooted in beauty, craft, and connection.
Team
Photographer: @annecmpeeters
Talent: Hannah Kraus
Stylist: @jess_pecoraro
Set Stylist: @thestonewillowstudio
HMU: @emilyfaussetmakeup
Production: @jumailycomms