GAIL SORRONDA X HANNAH LEVIEN BY GEORGIA WELLS.
GAIL SORRONDA X HANNAH LEVIEN BY GEORGIA WELLS.
Photography | Georgia Wells
Talent | Australian Actress Hannah Levien
Designers | Gail Sorronda + Ohliguer Jewellery
Hair and Make Up | Chris Coonrod @coonsstyle
Location | Living Edge, Brisbane.
"A Gail Sorronda creation is inherently and unapologetically theatrical by nature. And that is so unique. When I wear her pieces I feel a sense of occasion and enrolment. They feel deeply feminine and powerful. Almost like they tell a story. It's an experience.”
Tell us about your love for the creative arts and that moment you knew you were destined to become an artist?
I always had a really vivid imagination. My eldest sister read me Lord of the Rings when I was seven and it just blew my mind. Such a vast fantasy world. It wasn't long until I was getting into trouble at school for inventing my own stories about alternate dimensions, fairies, witches and more. At around Grade five or six it had become a bit of an obsession. I guess that's when I knew I wasn't going to do anything else but the dramatic arts.
Creativity is expressed in so many forms. How are you growing & evolving as an artist?
That's a great question. I think one of the gifts of being an artist is that the work evolves, as we evolve. I create differently now, to the way I did years ago. These days I find inspiration in nature, collaboration and meditation. And through a deeper understanding of self.
Tell us about your creative process, who & what inspires you?
I'm really inspired by innovation. New ways of experiencing or seeing something. As an actor, when I play a character who takes me by surprise - that's a really special moment. Or sometimes the character shows me new things about myself. Things I didn't think I could do, say, or even feel. It's challenging, but also rewarding to be stretched as a professional and individual in that way. Working with other artists is also hugely inspiring, whether it's a collaboration like this one with Gail Sorronda, or a new TV series. Working with extremely talented creative teams (writers, directors, cinematographers, costume designers, hair/make up artists, set designers and more). That creative collaboration and exchange really lights me up. It's team work and everyone brings their skills to the table. That's so exciting to be a part of it - the energy and experience of it keeps me going.
Hannah wears Gail Sorronda Energy Vampire Collar with the Libertine Shirt / Dress in White.
Let's talk design and fashion. Gail Sorronda is a cult Australian label that evokes the dramatic and wildly deep romantic, with dark undertones. What do you love most about this label and designer? What was your favourite design worn in this beautiful shoot by Brisbane photographer + Art Director, Georgia Wells?
Gail is a total powerhouse. She's like a thunderbolt from outer space. It's rare to meet someone with such a unique vision and dedication to that vision.
When I first met Gail, she was dressing me for an event. It reminded me of costume fittings for the TV shows I had done. It started as little ol' me in the mirror, and by the end, I felt like a powerful vampire in some romantic episode of my life. It was like I transcended reality (!), but Gail has that gift. She elevates the normal into something heightened. She really is extraordinary. My favourite outfit was probably the Energy Vampire sweatshirt with the long white shirt underneath, and a big white neck bow. It felt so quirky and absurd. We called that look 'Vampire goes back to school'. It was hilarious. We loved it.
Hannah wears Gail Sorronda Ghosting Cape in Black with the Energy Vampire Boyfriend Jumper.
Gail, a fine art fashion design graduate, created her eponymous label in 2005. Why do you feel her label speaks so strongly to women in the arts and has endured so beautifully and uniquely?
I think Gail's creations are inherently and unapologetically theatrical by nature. And that is so unique. When I wear her pieces - I feel a sense of occasion and enrolment. They feel deeply feminine and powerful. Almost like they tell a story. It's an experience. Maybe other women feel the same way? I hope so.
The Gail Sorronda collaboration with the Queensland Ballet for Dracula is a perfect showcase of the dramatic arts and fashion colliding. How do you see the creative industries growing and evolving in these recent untested times?
Technology and social media have changed so much about the creative industries. We are more inundated with information than ever. I think there's a lot of opportunity there for inspiration and collaboration, provided we don't lose sight of our own artistic integrity.
Hannah wears Gail Sorronda Energy Vampire Boyfriend Jumper
In a world where fashion must evolve and do more to remove waste and pollution, the consumer must also do their part. What choices are you making as a responsible consumer today?
Sustainability is key. Investing in sustainable measures. When it comes to fashion, I aim to support local brands and businesses. Artisans and local designers are more than fashion, it is their craft and their clothing is made to last - to be loved over and over again. That makes a different, opting not to follow trends, but treasure unique, quality clothing.
Why do you think Gail Sorronda as a label and design boutique has established and grown in the industry, when so many have disappeared?
I think Gail has stayed true to her vision and aesthetic. Trends come and go - Gail evolves, but maintains her own direction. She's a visionary. It's partly who she is, and also her indefatigable hard-working nature.
This collaboration involved three Brisbane creative women colliding across spectrums of their arts. A local designer, photographer + art director, and an actress. What did you love most about this shoot?
When we arrived on the day, Chris Coonrod (our wonderful hair/make up artist) asked, What story are we telling today? I've never heard someone say that on a fashion shoot - I loved it. We were creating and sharing a story together. And the story began as a woman sitting (quite normally) on a very nice couch, and went on to become some sort of Energy Vampire take over. We all kept suggesting and trying new things, becoming more experimental and theatrical as the hours went by. It was a small team and everyone brought their creativity. And their respect for each other. The story got bigger. And so did we!
And now a bit more about you...who is Hannah Levien?
Tell us about your experience being part of Brand New Cherry Flavour?
BNCF was a hugely creative experience for me. The tone was unlike anything I had done before. Absurd. Experimental. It's rare to experience that on a TV show. I loved the scripts and had so much fun playing Christine.
What creative projects do you want to explore next? I try and find something new and unique in every project I do. But I'd love to get to learn a specific new skill for a role... like a sport or language.
What has you excited right now personally in life? Getting to travel again. That's pretty huge.
Women in the arts who inspire you? I grew up with some amazing female acting teachers and colleagues who I still think of today. And a few years ago I made a film called Hunting Season with a female team. It was a piece I wrote, Directed by Shannon Kohli and Produced by Ines Eisses. Two women I deeply admire. It was an amazing experience getting to take that around the world and share that together.
Favourite music? David Bowie and Blondie.
Favourite travel destination? I love coming home to Australia. But aside from that, I would say Brazil and Italy.
Favourite fashion designers? Obviously Gail Sorronda! I love the theatricality of Vivienne Westwood. She's such an icon and inspiration. I've always loved Karen Walker too, and recently loving Nagnata in Australia.
Favourite artists? Growing up, I always remember the Klimt prints my parents had. Waterfalls of colour. I also love Yayoi Kusama's installations.
What can we look forward to seeing you in next? I’m in a new vampire comedy series coming out on 5 October called Reginald the Vampire. It should be a lot of fun. It’s airing on Syfy and Amazon Prime in Australia.
Hannah wears Gail Sorronda Visions Skivvy with the Vows Shirt Dress in Black.
Hannah wears Gail Sorronda Vows Shirt Dress with the Energy Vampire Girlfriend’s Jumper, Energy Vampire Collar and Visions Skivvy.
Hannah wears Gail Sorronda’s Visions Skivvy with the Jasper Dress.
