Hanny-d Creations was launched to celebrate designer Hanny Dewar’s passion for one-off, hand-made clothing, accessories and handbags, as well as her burning desire to see changes in attitude in the fashion industry towards sustainability.

The label was launched in 2009. Since expanding her business, Hanny has presented collections at events including Frugal Fashions and the Australian National University’s Sustainable Careers Day. This year will be her first appearance at FASHFEST.

Being an avid recycler all her life, Hanny discovered the joys of op-shopping at an early age and loves trolling through charity stores to find treasures. She believes nothing should go to waste if it can be re-used, re-fashioned or re-worked into something new and unique. The deliberate sourcing of new and repurposed materials sets Hanny-d Creations apart from other many emerging labels. Clothing and accessories are constructed using recycled remnants, rescued oddments and deconstructed garments. The result is wearable, one-off accessible pieces with a unique edge.

We recently spoke to Hanny about Hanny-d Creations, goals, FASHFEST and more:

Q. Thinking back on 2013, what goals have you achieved that you are most proud of?
I’d have to say being accepted as a designer for FASHFEST 2014 would be on top of the list. I’m a sole trader. I design and make all my own pieces thereby offering quality over quantity. It was a big step applying to be a FASHFEST designer so naturally I’m thrilled to be part of it. I also rate highly the designing and making of my daughter’s wedding dress.

Q. What is on the agenda for Hanny-d Creations in 2014?
At the moment I’m concentrating on getting my collection together for FASHFEST 2014. It’s a big challenge but a worthy one. After FASHFEST, I will be creating a collection in collaboration with a local fabric designer. I love bold colours and I’m right into geometric patterns of one sort or another.

Q. What does it mean to you to be participating as a designer in FASHFEST 2014?
Participating in FASHFEST 2014 is a dream-come-true for me. I’ve been involved in small-scale events which were great but nothing as big as this event. I’m excited to be given an opportunity to show my work to a large audience and look forward to opening up new avenues for my label. I see FASHFEST as an opportunity to create dialogue on issues relating to eco-friendly practices in the fashion industry and the public in general.

A few just for fun:
Q. I would love to travel to Japan because I’ve always loved the culture and the Japanese attitude to and pursuit of excellence in every aspect of their lives. Until a few years ago I was a martial arts practitioner which fuelled my desire to excel at anything I put my hand to. This desire has stayed with me.
Q. My heaven on earth is being able to create all manner of gorgeous things in my own time not just for others but for myself as well. I feel if I’m not creating I’m not really living.
Q. If I could have one thing in the whole world it would be giving my husband back his health. It’s a hard life when you are tied to a hospital three days a week. If I could wave a magic wand it would be for my husband because without his love and support I would not be able to do what I love. In short, my life would be meaningless.
Q. My favourite designer is Vivienne Westwood because she’s not afraid to be different and has a unique sense of style varying from quirky and crazy to wonderfully elegant. I love the way she puts garments together without too much regard for conventional ideas. The results are very interesting and intriguing. The ability to keep one’s interest and intrigue is a quality I admire in a designer.
Q. The greatest risk I ever took was when I went on a boom net off an island cruise boat at normal cruising speed. I screamed so loud I think the other passengers thought I was being attacked by a shark. Never again!

Hanny-d Creations targets working women aged 30 to 45 years who have a sense of the eclectic but also appreciate classic lines and quality finish. These women seek out timeless pieces to suit their individuality. They share an interest in sustainable eco-friendly practices and value the time and work invested in the finished product. The garments are simple yet classic in design, with many retro or vintage-inspired styles too.

Taking the view that ‘less is more’ Hanny avoids overloading designs, garments and accessories with adornments. She leaves trend following to others, preferring to offer something that’s different and very often a little quirky. This makes some of her creations interesting conversation pieces to say the least.

Hanny sells her creations through local markets such as the Old Bus Depot Markets, the Canberra Environment Centre and eco-markets. After five years of promoting sustainable fashion, Hanny is expanding her label to a wider audience through FASHFEST. This year will be her first appearance on the ‘Runway’ at the Award Winning Canberra Airport.

Fashfest 29 April to 3 May
Canberra Airport
Tickets: www.fashfest.com.au