Talking fashion and fitness with athleisure fashion designer Leanne Hardacre

For this week’s member highlight, we’re focusing on an up-and-coming designer that is actually found her footing as a freelancer in the latest months. Leanne Hardacre is a freelance Clothing Designer & the Founder of Hachure Lively, an eco-aware outside athleisure brand that is as passionate about sustainability as it is aesthetics.

How did you get into the business?

I studied Fashion Structure at the University of Salford in the British isles and graduated with a 1^st course BA(hons) in 2014. Since then, I have labored as a designer and product developer for numerous luxurious and industrial garments models.

The place are you based now and who do you function for?

I are living in Manchester, United kingdom and have been a freelance designer for 8 months. I am presently working with a sportswear firm and a luxury knitwear firm and have a short while ago signed on two start off-up makes. All whilst developing my have eco-mindful out of doors athleisure brand name, Hachure Energetic. 

If you weren’t in your latest business, what would you be performing?

I am actually into fitness so experience I would be intrigued in sports science and turning into a PT or conditioning teacher. It looks like a worthwhile occupation getting equipped to assistance men and women physically and mentally.

Can you describe your inventive procedure? What would make it distinctive?

I adore performing with different brand names as it usually means I can investigate unique designs more typically. I love studying style and aesthetics from manner to life-style and just take a large amount of inspiration from road style as it feels real, expressive and unique. 

How would you explain your type?

I’m pretty minimalist in my type, and wear tonal colours, but I am finding into thrifting and acquiring expense pieces with impartial models more now and re-styling my wardrobe with new components to lessen my intake. I am 90% of the time in everyday put on so a health club established, hoodie and trainers to just take me from perform to the gym.

Which persons do you attain inspiration from? Do you have any heroes in the business?

When I was at uni, Alexander McQueen was my idol. Such jaw dropping creativeness. I visited his Savage Splendor exhibition at the V&A in London in 2015 and it was thoughts-blowingly stunning. 

What ideas would you give to aspiring creatives seeking for perform?

At the start of the journey it feels like the most important problem to get your foot in, but retain persevering, get out of your comfort and ease zone, place your self out there, constantly access out to folks, network, share your perform and take on options that come your way. 

What guidelines would you give to other professionals to get more clients?

Generally reach out to persons, community, pick up the cellular phone. It has taken me about 7 months to commence having traction in my freelance operate, but with some purchasers achieving out from discussions we experienced late very last calendar year. Get on their radar, and when they are prepared you will be in their mind.

What kind of tools/package/computer software could you not do without the need of?

I am (as well) addicted to my mobile phone and generally appear by Instagram for trends and type tips, and for my perform I adore my electronic pen and pill to make CAD drawing easier

What is your magic formula to staying motivated and motivated?

Go out and see men and women, places, outlets, cities. I’ve been WFH a large amount the previous number of years and I definitely come to feel the price of being in a place of artistic, inspiring and inspired persons. It brings me electrical power.

What is the get the job done achievement you’re most proud of?

In 2018 my sister acquired married in a costume I built and designed. We use to joke about me accomplishing it so when the time arrived and I took on the obstacle it was really out of my convenience zone.

But I did every little thing from drafting the sample, cloth shopping in London and sewed every thing on my domestic device in my Mum and Dads dining room. I literally completed it the evening in advance of which was stressful for my sister but we can chuckle about it now!

What is the one thing that you would change about the business?

I’d love it to be a a lot more welcoming location for people today of all diversities and backgrounds. It is a really hard business to get into and the the greater part of the time it feels like you need to have to know someone to get there, so folks who do it on their own are inspiring. 

Any sites, textbooks or sources you would advocate?

I appreciate the Fashionary textbooks. Layout sketchbooks to attract ideas, and I also have ‘The Style Organization Manual’ and ‘Textilepedia’. Total of valuable data for all sectors of the sector and useful sources.