Stylist and personal shopper Hannah Griffith has long used her innate fashion sense, to style a range of clients including celebrities, politicians, and high-profile business women, helping to amplify their looking both private and public settings. With a career that has has taken her from Savile Row and couture, into bridal and luxury retail with companies including Bicester Village and Moda Operandi, PAKT caught up with Hannah to talk style signifiers, fashion rules and the social media accounts she takes inspiration from.
1) Describe your style in 3 words.
Effortless, classic, with a hint of sexy.
2) What’s the most precious item in your wardrobe and why?
My grandfather’s Rolex, which I was lucky enough to inherit. I’ve always loved a man’s watch on a woman, and I love that it has a history and connection to my heritage.
3) What’s your go-to outfit?
Always jeans, a blazer and heels. I’ve managed to keep this a signature look for years as I just update depending on jeans and tailoring trends!
4) What is the best fashion advice you have received?
I remember reading years ago the quote from Coco Chanel ‘before you leave the house, take one thing off’. And I definitely live by this advice—I like to look put together but not too precious.
5) Favourite piece you bought recently and why?
I bought a pair of Wandler shoes and bag, which I love. They are so comfy and I was really impressed with the quality for the price.
6) Who are your style icons?
I have so many and go through phases but a constant is Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. She does simplicity so well and is always understatedly sexy. Another favourite is Olivia Palermo, she always looks so expensive and doesn’t put much emphasis on trends.
7) What’s your personal style signifier?
I think it would be a blazer, I am rarely without one! I really love tailoring—I think it’s due to my time working at Savile Row, it solidified my love of menswear, and I don’t like to look too girly. I also find a blazer will transform pieces, it will tone down and make a short, tight dress feel more ‘fashion’, or it will add polish to a pair of jeans. You are more likely to find me in a tuxedo at a party than a cocktail dress.
8) Less or more?
Depends on the person! For me it’s less, but on some people I love more.
9) If you could have anyone’s wardrobe whose would it be and why?
Rachel Zoe. She is the queen of vintage and has the most amazing collection. I find so much romance in pieces that have a story and history. I’ve always thought that, as I get older I will become more bohemian. I’ve always been really into the 60s and 70s and secretly want to be a glamorous hippy.
10) What will we never find in your wardrobe?
Big frills, bright colours or much pattern. Gosh, that makes me sound boring! Having to be constantly creative with other people’s wardrobes in my work, I tend to keep it simple with my own, but for events I do sometimes go in the opposite direction and wear something with all of of the above!
11) Where do you love to shop?
Moda Operandi’s buy is amazing and has that fantastic element of discovery. I’ve been buying a lot of Bondi Born, Cult Gaia and Acler for this summer. Brands I always go back to are Isabel Marant and Chloe. If money was no object I would wear a lot of Brunello Cucinelli—there is no competition to the quality.
12) What is a must-have clothing item everyone must own?
An oversized white shirt. I have a few but my favourite is a linen one that I stole off my father. It always looks stylish with jeans and a good pair of sunglasses, or as a cover-up with my bikini. It’s also big enough to wear as a dress, so I basically live in it in the summer!
13) If a museum asked you to donate one item from your wardrobe that represented you what would it be?
I have a silk slip dress of my grandmother’s which I have worn to death—dressed up with barely there heels and a red lip, or layered with a t-shirt and sneakers. There are actually pictures of me wearing it with her pearls and heels when I was about 5.
My grandmother was a ballerina and my grandfather was a musician so they lived a very artistic, glamorous life. When I was little, I used to disappear for hours at their house and dress up in her gowns and furs.
14) If you were an item of clothing what would you be?
A tutu—elegant, girly, but also a bit silly!
15) What’s your number one fashion rule?
I would say avoid the Instagram fads—try to find a more interesting and authentic expression of yourself. Also buy pieces that have more longevity, we should all be making an effort to shop more consciously.
16) What is your dream project?
I have always wanted to do a makeover show, being the stylist on a show like Queer Eye is my ultimate dream!
17) Top 3 accounts to follow on social media.
I recently discovered the dreamy Stephanie Hill (@thestylebungalow) and love to see what Law Roach (@luxurylaw) is up to. Kelly Wearstler (@kellywearstler) is amazing for both interiors and her style.
18) Where were the last three places you travelled to and what are the can’t miss shops?
It feels like so long ago! Barcelona, Venice and South of France. I do remember this incredible linen shop in Venice called Emilia Burano. I splashed out on some exquisite embroidered napkins, I like that they are also a talking point at a dinner party.
I don’t tend to shop much on holiday (maybe because I basically shop for a living). But if I do, it will be vintage or small boutiques that you can’t get back home. I’m usually more interested in finding the best spots to eat!
Follow Hannah on @styledbyhannah_hk and www.styledbyhannah.com
