If you don't know Libby Haan's name, you most certainly know her work. Creatures of the Wind, Thakoon, Araks — these are just a few of her clients who have rocked the industry over the past few years. Of course, it's also thanks to a brilliant and style-savvy boss lady like Haan, owner of New York-based HAAN PROJECTS, that these brands are thriving in a competitive field. Trust, this industry vet — formerly working with Jil Sander, Givenchy, and Marni — knows what it takes.
My style in six words or less:
"I wear whatever my mood dictates."
The greatest style lesson I've ever learned:
"My mother would say 'run a brush through you hair and put on some lipstick.' Basically, being well-kempt in anything from a tank top and jeans to a silk-chiffon gown...Run a brush through your hair and put on some lipstick, and you are set."
My boldest summer style move that I wouldn't attempt any other time of the year:
"Sheer. I have the best Cosabella nude tank tops, so I can put on a sheer, silk top and still appear bare without advertising what’s underneath."
My constant source of style inspiration:
"Any- and everyone…from Kate Moss to some chic lady shopping at Barneys."
My first major, big-ticket style purchase:
"I bought a very expensive Marni dress after a very important fashion editor, shopping at the same time, told me it was divine on me…How could I not buy it?"
My most surprising, out-of-left-field fashion find:
"Really amazing vintage in this tiny town in Michigan… a faille navy, tiny-white-polka-dot dress sewn from, what could be, a Christian Dior pattern from the late '50s. It’s beyond. At the same shop, I found a simple, floral navy dress that I try to wear as often as possible in the summer."
My favorite up-and-coming designers:
"Easy…Creatures of the Wind and Vika Gazinskaya. Happily, both are clients, but I really think their collections are so special. It’s that thing you put with your favorite pair of jeans that takes it up 10 notches."
Styled by Laura Pritchard, Hair by Bethany Brill, Makeup by Tiffany Patton
Look 1: Thakoon white long-sleeve dress; Thakoon pink printed-sheer sweater; Kork-Ease wedge sandal
Look 2: Preen by Thornton Bregazzi floral-and-lace top; Preen by Thornton Bregazzi floral-and-lace skirt; Diego Dolcini purple platform sandal; Parulina stone bracelet.
Look 3: J.Crew Selvedge Chambray Shirt, $98, available at J.Crew; Creatures of the Wind pink pants with rhinestone side detail; Melissa nude platform heels.