There’s a growing shift in the priorities of American fashion. Unique, handmade items are beginning to take precedence over following the fast-fashion trends, and many are developing a more minimalistic approach to how they fill their wardrobes.
For that reason, Darling had fashion blogger and long-time contributor Cassie Winslow reach out to Hackwith Design House for both inspiration and guidance on how one can incorporate this concept into their own personal style. Based in Minneapolis, Hackwith designs for the individual, favoring small quantities of high quality over items for mass production.
Read on below for our exclusive interview with founder Lisa Hackwith.
Darling Magazine: How does Hackwith Design House define minimalism? How do minimalism and fashion correlate?
Hackwith Design House: We don’t claim to be minimalists, but we do believe in creating clothing that acts as a seamless addition to your wardrobe and that will last for a long time. We want to create pieces that women love to wear and feel confident wearing, pieces that will become long-lasting staples.
DM: How can one with a more complicated style (or affinity for bright colors) incorporate minimalist elements into their wardrobe?
Hackwith: It seems to me that minimalism has taken on this different meaning in the fashion and style worlds, but I don’t think it actually means the same as simple or monochromatic.
The idea behind minimalism is that one uses everything one owns. That can be applied to any wardrobe, any color combinations, any style. Don’t buy things you aren’t going to wear more than once; don’t purchase something you aren’t in love with. Love what you own, and wear it as often as you’d like.
DM: What inspired your emphasis on uniqueness?
Hackwith: No one likes to walk into a party wearing the same thing as someone else there. I liked the idea of creating clothing that was numbered the way paintings can be numbered by an artist. You know you’re getting something that is few-of-a-kind.
I also wanted to continue to source my fabric from the family-owned fabric store here in Minnesota, and I could only do that if I didn’t make more than about 25 of each design. It was a decision born of both artistic preference and practicality.
The idea behind minimalism is that one uses everything one owns.
Don’t buy things you aren’t going to wear more than once; don’t purchase something you aren’t in love with.
DM: What’s your advice for developing personal style?
Hackwith: Find those pieces you just love and don’t be afraid to wear them out! Use what you own; clothing isn’t meant to sit in a closet.
Are you a fan of dressing minimally? What are some of your favorite pieces?
Deco Tartelette photos by Nicholas Winslow; Hackwith Lookbook Photos by Canary Grey Photography
