Corridor40

Hannah Elise is an ambitious 18-year-old designer and blogger out of the Pacific Northwest. Keeping her devoted fans up-to-date, she uses her blog, Bekväm Clothing, as a means of communicating her design ideas with readers. Seeking advice and opinions, her designs are as much about her love for fashion as her love for her audience. Between college classes and her part-time job, Elise seeks inspiration for her clothing line, Bekväm Clothing, everywhere from the natural beauty that surrounds her wooded state of Oregon to designers of eras past.

Her clothes provoke a simple sophistication that is spirited, yet mature for a designer of her age. Playing with grungy, neutral tones, on par with signature Northwestern fashion, she also incorporates feminine hemlines, lace and cinched waists into her creations. Cozy and soft, her clothes make me want to fall into a world of endless, whimsical pine forests. And, after my interview with the young talent, I’m as much a fan of Hannah Elise as for her designs.

Q: Why did you decide to start your own clothing line?

A: I’ve always been happiest when sewing, hence my affection for the design process.  I’ve experienced a lot of frustration in finding mass produced clothing that fits my tastes not only aesthetically, but in quality as well. That is why I’ve been sewing the majority of my personal clothing for several years.  I thought that if I felt this way, there was a chance my styles might appeal to others with similar feelings.

Q: Where do you get inspiration for your designs?

A: My collection of old and heavy magazines has been my best friend for many years.  Really though, I get inspiration from anything and everything: people, nature, movies… I could go on forever.

Q: Tell me a little about yourself and your design background.

A: I’m 18-years-old. Aside from working on Bekväm Clothing, I’m currently attending college and working part-time. I’ve been sewing since I could hold a needle, but I first started making clothes for myself about 5 years ago. I’m self-taught, and I’ve always learned best through trial and error. In the beginning I researched design techniques, pattern drafting and pattern grading. I read every book about fashion design I could get my hands on. When I saw a garment I liked in a store or magazine, I’d try to replicate it from scratch.

Q: Can you tell me about Oregon fashion? Does your location and daily life inspire your designs?

A: Oregon fashion is diverse and eclectic; our only universal staple is that wet-weather coat. My fabric choices are often subtle and have pattern and color combinations that complement my environment.

Q: Do you find your personal style to be influential to Bekväm?
A: Anyone who reads my blog knows about my unabashed pajama proclivity. Honestly, though, I would say it is my  “ideal” style of dress that is 100% influential on my designs; it‘s not always the actuality that inspires. We all have sweatpants days; it’s inescapable.

Q: Where did you come up with the name Bekväm?

A: Comfort has always been on the forefront of the design process.  Bekväm means “comfort” in Swedish, and aside from the meaning the look and feel of the word was perfect.

Q: What are your goals for Bekväm?

A: I really have trouble looking far into the future. I have always made clothes, and I can’t see my interest in that diminishing.  I would like to be able to incorporate a wider variety of garments into my collection, and I would love to have the time and resources to make more custom orders.
Q: What are the price points for your clothes? Where can they be purchased?

A: Each garment differs in price, depending on many variables (construction time, fabric etc.).  I do try to keep conscious of the limitations of the pocketbook. Currently, all of my clothing has been under the $200 margin. I don’t want my clothing to be unaffordable, but I would also like this to become my full time job. It’s a hard line to walk. Currently, about 80 percent of what I make is re-invested into supplies for the next batch and sewing necessities. I was finally able to get a new cutting table, which has been a huge helpand works so much better than cutting pattern pieces on the floor! Currently, the only place to purchase Bekväm clothing is through my Etsy shop.  I post upcoming release dates and times on my blog.
Q: Who is your favorite designer?

A: I would have to say Claire McCardell.  She was an American designer in the 1930s to 1950s.  The style of clothing she was creating was pretty incredible. I especially love her play suits.

Q: How would you describe your personal style?

A: When I bother to get out of those aforementioned PJs, I would say it is feminine with clean lines. I love layering my clothing, neutral colors and surprising little details.

Images via BekvamClothing.blogspot.com