Behind the Brand | Hanh Merriman of the New Label HANH

Meet HANH Collection, the debut brand from Hanh Merriman, a Dallas-based designer, a philanthropist and former style blogger. With her eponymous brand, she includes essential wardrobe pieces that are designed to be seasonless and work with the lifestyle of the modern woman. I caught up with her to find out her inspiration for the line, the importance of rooting the brand in philanthropy and more.

Congratulations on the launch of your eponymous line HANH Collection! Before we start talking about the brand, I’d love to learn more about your background. What were you doing prior to launching your company?

I’ve always had a need to express myself; to say something at the early age of 12, I started making my own clothes. Once I moved to the States, I felt inspired to blog about style and travel. At the time, I had an absolute blast! But my life evolved especially after my father passed, and I put my time and energy into raising my family and running a household. I was able to keep my creative juices flowing through making culinary delights and interior design but now is the right time for HANH Collection.

I love the combination of fluidity and structure in the silhouettes. What was the starting point for the first collection?

I am personally inspired by stalwart avant-garde brands and my formative years were spent in Vietnam. As a result, HANH Collection is a nod to and celebration of both engineering and lightness, of structure and whimsy.

What or who has been the biggest source of inspiration for you and your line?

I must have been an explorer in my past life because I am always inspired by and in awe when I travel. Experiencing different cultures, cuisines, languages, and customs is so fascinating and energizing. I file intense colors, memories, smells, and moods from my travels, and they’re woven into my collection.

When it comes to creativity, what do you do to get the ideas flowing?

The ideas are constantly flowing—I have no shortage of inspiration surrounding me.

The brand is also rooted in philanthropy. Can you share more about that and why it was integral from the start?

Giving back has always been ingrained in me by my parents. We were always taught to give back however you can according to your ability. Philanthropy is a part of my identity, and it’s greatly enriched my life, so naturally, it’s a part of my brand. There is so much need in this world, even more so during the pandemic, so we’ve partnered with Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation. The organization provides essential services to families in crisis in Vietnam.

How have you navigated the pandemic from a creative and personal standpoint?

I am an eternal optimist so I viewed the pandemic, however horrible it was/is, as an opportunity to reset - to include only what I truly loved into the collection, to build my team with like-minded, talented individuals, and to create a brand with a clear vision that I’m proud of.

Did you dream up the collection during this time or did you already have it in the pipeline?

Yes, we did. We used this moment to fantasize about what we'd wear when the pandemic was over, but also what to wear during it. That's why we have a collection of silky pleated dresses mixed with easy tops and joggers!

HANH Collection in three words...

modern, amuse-bouche, sequel.

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Images via brand