profile: Anne Valèrie Hash

Anne Valèrie Hash in her showroom in the 19th century Right Bank mansion in Paris, 

photo by  Kai Jünemann


Anne Valérie Hash is one of the few women who designs for women. 

In a domain that is largely dominated by male designer it is with a certain irony that Hash's approche to design begins by the deconstruction of menswear. 


Hash starts by undoing the seams in men’s jackets and trousers and wrapping the pieces together around the body of a young model. Hash then reconstructs the garments in adult sizes and into tailored cut womenswear. Taking adult-sized garments and reducing them on a child model permits Hash to play with the proportions easily, an aspect Hash feels is not possible by working directly on a grown-up.

Anne Valèrie Hash, fall 2008 couture, photo by style.com


Born and raised in Paris, Hash graduated from the prestigious Chambre Syndicale de la Couture in 1992. Hash managed to build a great experience threw internships and work placements at a half-dozen houses, such as Nina Ricci, Christian Lacroix, Chanel, Dior and Chloé. These stages gave Hash the opportunity to refine her skills and technique in seaming, in the uses of pattern and textiles and in alterations.  But threw all of this Hash was firm in the idea of not staying longer then 3 months at each place to not be printed by each respective houses workmanship and design. 


After graduation and stages Hash started in 1995 a small buisness, designing bridal gowns. In 2000, Hash became business partners with Philippe Elkoubi, and launched her own signature collection of handmade and ready-to-wear pieces, which at the time was inspired by then 14-year-old Parisian, Lou Liza Lesage.

Anne Valèrie Hash, fall 2008 couture, photo by style.com


Hash presented her first self-financed prêt-à-porter collection in 2001. Two years later, she received the prestigious Andam Award for a promising young fashion designer, an award which previously had been given to Martin Margiela in 1989 and Viktor & Rolf in 1994.

Five years after her debut show Hash was selling 9,000 pieces a year and counted Hollywood stars among her clients. This growing success opened the door to private clients requesting custom-made couture designs. 


In 2007 the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, the governing organization of couture in France invited Hash and 16 other designers to present their collections on July 2 along with the established couture houses.


It is with great pleasure for MA to be able to introduce this up-and-coming french designer.

Anne Valérie Hash coming spring 2010 exclusively at MA

Best,

MA

ma robe de BALENCIAGA


in store now the collection of printed dresses by Nicolas Ghesquière for BALENCIAGA

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tmf