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

Hi Hannah Ruth, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m from a small town called Litchfield Park, Arizona. I grew up in a very religious background, so if you’ve ever heard of Mormonism, you might know they have a very distinct style. I was always drawn to fashion, but I became seriously interested during my freshman year of high school when my grandmother gifted me her clothing from the 1960s. I was fascinated by the well-made nature, the poofiness and frills, and the bright colors. It was then that I began researching vintage fashion, style icons of the 60s, and vintage boutiques nearby. My love of fashion began with vintage. It transcended into all things Teen Vogue, Man Repeller, and Alexa Chung’s YouTube channel. I fell in love with mixing vintage pieces into modern trends. Getting dressed every day became my favorite activity. Though it was challenging to deviate from the religious norms, I eventually left the religion, allowing me to express myself even more freely.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I always knew I wanted to work in fashion, in any capacity. As a Gemini, it was hard to pick just one thing, and sometimes it still is. I started my craft as a stylist, collaborating with local photographers to build my portfolio at 18 years old, and then proceeded to style for local brands and businesses. Concurrently, I attended fashion school, where I would design hypothetical collections for assignments. I always wished I could make those pieces a reality. After investing a lot of time and practice, I learned the ropes of upcycling and design so I could create my very own collections, straight from my brain. Though it demands a lot of patience (and money), I wouldn’t have it any other way. The joy of crafting a look that’s entirely my own is like no other!

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?
A day in Salt Lake City, Utah would begin at my favorite breakfast spot, Eva’s Bakery. With its incredible pastries, perfect avocado toast, and magical chai lattes, it sets the tone just right. From there, we’d embark on a vintage and local business shopping spree, starting downtown at Decades, Capital City Antique Mall, and Atelier. Then, it’s off to Publik on 9th & 9th for strawberry matches and visits to local maker shops like Salt & Honey and Mochi Kids. Finally, we’d wrap up the day with a stroll and sunset walk around Memory Grove, the city’s most charming park.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My grandma, Marmie, had a keen sense of my interest in fashion, and among all her grandchildren, she chose to gift her vintage clothing to me. Wearing her clothes to school took some courage, but it sparked a deep love for fashion and expressing my personal style. She herself had a passion for fashion, having worked as a model at local shows after school. Growing up amidst brothers and a tomboy sister, my grandma was always there for me, providing a connection to femininity and creativity. With her support, I embraced the girliest version of myself!

Website: https://www.hannahruthzander.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahruthzander/?hl=en

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@hannahruthzander?lang=en

Image Credits
Michelle Baughan, Becca Webb

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