We had the good fortune of connecting with Hannah Mcdowell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hannah, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Professionalism. A common weakness I see in my industry is lack of professionalism, and I think it can really hurt your success. Since I was an intern to now styling my own clients, I have always made it a point to be punctual, helpful, and respectful. In a competitive industry, professionalism can really set you apart.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art as a fashion stylist is about more than just putting together outfits—it’s about storytelling, confidence, and creating a unique narrative for each client I work with. What sets me apart is my focus on blending personal style with bold, creative elements. I love bringing out the essence of someone’s personality while introducing unexpected pairings that push the envelope.

I’m most proud of the moments when clients feel transformed and empowered by what they’re wearing. Fashion can be a tool for self-expression, and watching someone embrace that is incredibly rewarding. I’m also excited by how the fashion landscape keeps evolving, from sustainability to technology. I love staying ahead of trends and ensuring my work reflects that evolution.

Getting to where I am professionally wasn’t easy. There were moments of self-doubt, competition, and uncertainty. But each challenge pushes me to grow. I overcome them by trusting my vision, continuously learning, and networking with the right people. I also learned to embrace setbacks as part of the process—they often led to unexpected opportunities.

One major lesson is that resilience and adaptability are key. The fashion world is fast-paced and ever-changing, so staying grounded and flexible helps. I also believe in collaboration—some of the best projects come from combining talents and ideas.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that my work is deeply personal and creative. It’s about celebrating individuality while also challenging norms. I’m always striving to inspire confidence and joy through style, and I want my story to reflect that passion for both art and authenticity.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Los Angeles, I’d make sure they experience the perfect blend of LA’s culture, food, and entertainment. We’d kick things off with dinner at Crossroads Kitchen, the best vegan restaurant in LA, followed by drinks at Laurel Hardware for a chic, laid-back vibe. I love sports, so we’d have to go to a college football game, then head to the beach for a walk or bike ride along Santa Monica beach. Shopping would take us to Rodeo Drive for luxury, Just One Eye for unique finds, and the vintage shops on Melrose for something one-of-a-kind. To top it off, we’d grab sunset cocktails at Catch, enjoying the rooftop views. We’d probably drive down to Anaheim for a day spent at Disneyland. If there’s a good concert to go to, we’d definitely catch some live music. On Sunday, Smorgasburg would be the perfect stop for casual eats with a variety of food vendors. Of course, we’d end the week by catching a Lakers game, followed by a night out at Level 8 or Dot to celebrate their trip to LA.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
All of the people I’ve worked with have helped me grow in my career. When I first started in the styling industry, I interned for Jordan Marx, who is just a gem of a human. She believed in me and gave me the connections to keep going after she left the industry. When I assisted Kristin Dodson Smith, she was like an older sister to me. She brought me to fashion weeks and exclusive events, introducing me to everyone she could. I learned so much during my time with her. Tatiana Waterford and Beatrice Balaj are also two stylists who always have my back and bring me on to assist them on styling amazing projects. I’m so grateful for them.

Website: https://www.hannahmcdowell.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahhhmcdowell

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-mcdowell-7a1a66227

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hannahhhmcdowell?_t=8q54S06syZ4&_r=1

Image Credits
Jamie Lendrum
Sofia Azarpira
Frances Hamrock

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