WHERE ARE THEY NOW: Redress Designer HANNAH GOFF (2009)

The first Redress Raleigh fashion show happened in 2009.  According to John Morris at Goodnight Raleigh, it was part of Hillsborough Renaissance, a fine arts festival celebrating that neighborhood's "change to a more pedestrian and vehicle friendly thoroughfare. "  The Redress show, Morris wrote, introduced 19 new designers - and Hanna Goff was one. That year, her collection rocked the runway, and Technician Online writer Sarah Ewald praised Goff's gorgeous, "structured and architectural pieces."

This week, Redress caught up with Hannah Goff, who took time out to share her latest.

"You dont have to settle for the fabrics that are sold in stores and mills. Fashion is not just about constructing a garment, it is about the design. And design includes textiles, prints, surface treatments, embellishments....all combined into one silhouette."

Redress:  Can you give us the rundown? What's happened in the years since the Hillsborough show?  

Hannah:  Well, I graduated from NC State - that was in 2010 - and from Savannah College of Art and Design with an MA in Fashion. That took two years.  In March, I did Charleston Fashion Week, and won the [Emerging Designer 2012] award. That was a great experience.  

I was a finalist in the Belk Southern Designer Showcase. They chose 15 different designers, and they'll be featuring four pieces from each of our collections in stores and online this spring - Spring 2013. 

I did the SCAD show, and I've been freelancing print designs.

Redress: Are you working on anything right now?

Hannah: I've been getting ready for Charleston next year - I'm working on a 20-piece collection.  My whole inspiration is environmental. I find inspiration all over the place - pollution, deforestation - the forces of nature.

Redress: Tell us about the print designs. What is That process like?

Hannah: It's kind of like a collage process - like making a physical college,  or painting - but it's on the computer.  I'll cut graphic shapes out of something I've painted or scanned, and compile the images. Sometimes I'll add actual objects - for a project expressing domesticity, I used squirt bottles, vacuum cleaners and heels - high heeled shoes.

Redress: How did the Redress experience prepare you for later endeavors?

Hannah: The redress experience allowed me to experiment with various materials and techniques of manipulating fabric such as dying and appliqué. I was able to see an old shirt for its possibilities as a textile rather than its limitations as a garment.  This got me thinking that you don't have to settle for the fabrics that are sold in stores and mills.  Fashion is not just about constructing a garment, it is about the design. Design includes textiles, prints, surface treatments, embellishments....all combined into one silhouette.  Redress allowed me to step outside of the box early on in my education and through every one of those experiences I have grown into the designer I am today.

Redress: Any advice for Redress supporters considering a similar career path?

Hannah: I would just say to continue to explore your creativity. Try out different things. Cutting up old, making new - that's a great concept.

Don't give up - if you really love fashion, you'll find a way!

Redress:  Is there anything else you'd like us to watch for? We'll definitely check back with you when the Belk pieces hit!

Hannah: I have a website: hannahgoff.com  where people can view my designs.  My prints are not for sale; However, if someone wishes to buy a piece of clothing made from one of them, they can contact me. Just look for the Southern Designer's Showcase in Spring 2013! Charleston Fashion Week - you can volunteer! It's a great way to see how a fashion show works.

Redress: Hannah, congratulations on your success - we're fans forever!

For more information, visit:

Hannah Goff

Charleston Fashion Week

Belk Southern Designers Showcase