Hannah Jo: Cosmopolitan Chic
Launched for the Holiday 2007 season, luxe contemporary label Hannah Jo is the work of three industry veterans who share an eye for European fashion sensibilities. Los Angeles–based founder Phillipe Teman serves as artistic director, overseeing the brand’s concept, while supervising designers Anna Soros and Christie Smith are based in France and the United States, respectively. According to the team, the main inspiration of the line is “a modern American woman who lives a hectic lifestyle but has a fashion consciousness that’s very cosmopolitan.”
The designers noted there has been a natural evolution since the brand’s launch: “The first collections reflected the fashion direction in France, with a heavy emphasis on elegance, a sense of subdued poise. While we’ve maintained this core concept, we’ve also gradually brought in a younger, more daring American spirit to the line, which ultimately makes Hannah Jo a brand that translates to a wider segment of women.”
The Fall 2008 collection utilizes silk charmeuse, georgette and some knits (for daytime looks) in a rich palette of golds, browns, coppers, royal blues, burgundies and violet. Focused on bringing a “much-needed dose of fun to fashion,” the latest incarnation of Hannah Jo was inspired by the notion of breaking away from the harsh realities of the world. “It’s a very European way of thinking for one to dress well during difficult times because fashion works in both directions. hellip; From your personality that reflects outwardly in what you wear to what you’re wearing, giving you the confidence to deal with whatever comes your way and feel better about life,” Teman explained.
Top retailers include Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue department stores, as well as chic boutiques such as Planet Blue and Xin in Southern California and Owl’s Lab in New York.
“The target customer is a contemporary woman who exudes an air of confidence in whatever she does or wishes to accomplish,” Teman said.
Because of the extensive use of hand embellishments and detailed construction, most of the line is produced in India. Wholesale prices range from $79 to $99 for tops and from $99 to $139 for dresses.
For information, contact the Bryan Wilson Showroom at (213) 629-2201 or visit www.hannahjoinc.com. —Dena Smolek
