A’marie girl: Hannah Vranko
I must admit that I couldn’t wait to share the story of the new A’marie girl with you. Her name is Hannah Vranko, and she works in art direction. She caught my attention long ago with her beautiful Instagram profile, which is a visual treat for anyone who loves beautiful aesthetics. I didn’t know much about her except that she’s from Zagreb, currently living in Munich, excelling in everything she does, and intriguing with her modest posts. Last week, she was in Zagreb, so we had a quick coffee and finally met in person. And the first impression – just as I thought it would be. Hannah won me over instantly with her energy and natural beauty, as well as her impressive projects.
During our coffee, we touched on topics about her current job and life abroad, inspiration, and aesthetics, and we also delved into fashion because Hannah loves A’marie. She immediately jumped into some of her favorite pieces from our current Le Sable collection. Doesn’t she look sensational in the romantic Creamy dress, the statement Kika jacket, and the sensational silk Mely dress?
How would you describe yourself in 5 sentences? Who is Hannah Vranko?
Hannah is a girl from Zagreb who has been living in Germany for 11 years, balancing several roles that all somehow require creativity and flexibility, whether it’s handling a two-and-a-half-year-old or balancing fixed and freelance work. Although I studied product design, my career took me in a slightly different direction. Instead of designing products, I mostly deal with visual design in a broader sense, from concepts to execution. I love wonderful synergies like our photoshoot!
From my perspective, you are a very inspiring and somewhat mysterious creative who reveals everything through some details on the popular social network, which made me even more eager to meet you… What does Instagram mean to you? How do you view that platform?
Instagram is a playful online business card, mood board, phone book, and a kind of portfolio all in one… Personally, I find it very practical because I think a lot of information about a brand, person, or even service can be quickly gathered with one click. The significance of the platform is evidenced by the fact that it has created entirely new professions…
You work in art direction, and if I’m not mistaken, that is currently your primary job? How did you end up in that job?
Yes, I ended up in it through a chance internship at one of the largest creative agencies in Germany. Ten years later, the colleague whose intern I was and I now work together as a team. We also started a small collaborative studio for some fun projects outside of regular work. In the meantime, I went through the startup phase of another agency, continuously handling freelance projects in art direction and styling for clients from the furniture, automotive, lifestyle, and hospitality industries. Finally, my current job led me into a new field for me – textiles, with a 100% focus on sustainability. Since it is important to me to stand behind what I do, a conscious approach in terms of quality and longevity, as well as resource conservation, is a pretty good match.
You have great projects behind you; which one are you most proud of?
Thank you! Since space is my favorite thing, whether it’s shooting or designing interiors, I love when the maximum is drawn from the existing – it’s a game of skills, sensitivity, and experience of several people. I’m very happy to have the opportunity to collaborate with Artisan/Regular company for several years.
What does a typical day of an art director look like?
My role was a bit different in the context of the agency than it is now – there was a greater emphasis on campaigns and large teams, and now almost everything is done in-house, and much of it is still at the beginning. Generally speaking, decisions are made daily about how something should visually function, whether it’s layout, photography, system… There really is no typical day; every project is different, so is the day, whether it’s an all-day shoot with a team or a day in the office assembling a pitch presentation.
Where does inspiration come from? Since it’s a creative job, do you sometimes feel saturated or lack inspiration?
I get saturated with trends and the speed at which they change. Many blame Instagram and similar platforms for that, but I don’t know if it’s the platform or the general lack of authenticity… Inspiration comes from places, situations, art, nature – it’s a cliché, but the experience of even the most banal things can be such a valuable input…
You are a mother of a little boy. How do you handle freelance work with a three-year-old?
In addition to freelance work, I also have a permanent part-time job, so planning is a bit easier, although I must admit that raising a child in a non-traditional setting is a big challenge. Most of the time, I’m a ‘one-man-band,’ and sometimes it’s really juggling several important roles at once. I really miss Zagreb, grandma-service, small and big friends…
You are a great aesthete with a highly polished and recognizable style. Are there any people/eras/places that influenced you and helped you develop your style?
It might sound too simple, but that sensitivity is mostly intuitive – probably unconsciously built on experiences, but I often listen to feelings. I think imperfection is where creativity arises, which can be found in any era. At the same time, I am inspired by both tradition and innovation. Copenhagen is quite an inspiring place, and I look forward to the upcoming ‘3days of design’… And speaking of Copenhagen, I would mention the impeccable styling of Pernille Vest.
You love interiors and good design, as seen in the photos of your beautiful apartment in Munich, which you completely decorated yourself. What was your guiding principle when decorating your own space? And are you 100% satisfied with the result?
It all somehow started with that yellow wall structure, which was a pleasant surprise after removing the old Rauhfaser wallpaper… I followed the story of this apartment, these walls, this building… Sometimes it’s best to listen to the space… Considering the late pregnancy, the ongoing pandemic, work, and two months for all the renovations, it wouldn’t be fair to say I’m not satisfied, but who is ever really done decorating?
Life writes its own stories, so you have been living in Munich for years, spent some time in Brighton and Vienna, and occasionally return to your hometown of Zagreb. Where do you see yourself in the long run?
It seems to me that each place was perfect for that specific period of life. Today, Zagreb seems different to me than the last time I lived there; it has come to life, but it’s also more relaxed than Munich. Priorities change, so who knows, maybe we need to talk again in a year.
Favorite addresses in Zagreb?
Luta and Cogito.
Dolac and Salo.
Zrno.
I really love ZKM. I miss Kino Europa.
Zekaona ☺
When did you first encounter the A’marie brand? When did the love happen?
A’marie has always been an integral part of the Croatian fashion scene, and although I can’t say exactly when I first encountered it, I remember how impressed I was that A’marie pieces were intended for the models in a larger project I was working on. They looked fantastic both in person and in photos and videos, completely elevating the overall impression. Love happens when you try and see those cuts, materials, and details in person!
What is your favorite piece from the current collection, and how would you style it?
If I have to choose just one, I’ll have to go with the beautiful and special Kika jacket. As in the shoot, I think I’ll wear it with brown low loose Arket jeans and Filippa K strap sandals. If I can mention another, it’s the dream silk dress Mely (wow, that silk) or the Jen pants, a cut I adore.
How would you describe your fashion style?
Mostly, it’s now an uncomplicated ‘mom look,’ sometimes minimalism with a touch of classic – but always comfortable with good quality pieces that last. I equally love vintage and second-hand quality high street and, of course, completely individual collections and pieces like these from A’marie. One thing that often runs through what I wear is the contrast between more feminine and androgynous…
What do you always carry in your bag?
Lip balm and my favorite lipstick, Airpods, sunglasses… Wallet, keys… And okay, probably some snack for the little one.
What is a beautiful woman to you? How does she look and carry herself?
Authentic. A beautiful woman shines from within, aware of her insecurities while radiating a relaxed ease regardless of what she wears. She doesn’t try to look like everyone else at all costs and doesn’t follow every fashion and beauty trend.
5 short ones:
Munich or Zagreb? Zagreb will always be home.
Apartment or house? I live in an apartment, grew up in a house… Well, a house with a yard ☺
Minimalism or maximalism? Maxi minimalism.
Capsule wardrobe or statement pieces? A capsule built gradually – a dream.
Interior decorating or art direction? Art direction for interior/furniture brand.
