Meet
Hannah Baxter, the senior beauty editor at
Coveteur. At first glance, it's clear that Hannah's eclectic style is something to be admired. She has a way of mixing menswear-inspired silhouettes with quirky vintage finds to create outfits that ooze effortlessness. But beyond the clothes she wears, Hannah's work in digital media has given her an insider view on the fashion and beauty industry. So naturally, we were eager to chat with Hannah and ask her all sorts of things, including what her beginnings in fashion looked like, what sustainability means to her, what beauty product she went through 8 bottles of, and where she likes to eat and shop at in NYC.
Who is Hannah Baxter?
I'm a writer, editor, New Yorker, and feminist, among other things.
How would you describe your personal style and at what point in your life did you really start to cement it down?
I still don't feel like my style is nailed down. It changes every day depending on how I'm feeling, but I'm attracted to pieces and outfits that are slightly menswear-inspired, with plenty of unexpected prints or colors thrown in.
What are the first five things you do when you wake up?
I check my email and social media, drink a glass of water, make coffee, give myself a face massage, and shower.
Can you take us through your beginnings in fashion to present day?
I didn't always know I wanted to work in fashion and beauty. I just knew I would be in NYC since I was about 6-years-old. My first job here was at an Off-Broadway theater (my dual major emphasis was in playwriting) and over a series of different jobs in and around the industry, I eventually wound up where I am now, as an editor. There's no one way to get involved in this world, and I'm certainly a testament to that.
How would you describe your own relationship with clothing and how has it evolved over the years?
I've always been interested in style and the way people assemble an outfit. I was a picky dresser as a kid, and it only got more pronounced as I got older. The more I'm exposed to new designers and new people, the more I appreciate the artistry of fashion and fall even deeper in love with personal style.
What have been some of the greatest lessons you have learned since beginning your career?
Honestly, it boils down to working hard and being nice to people. Just be willing to do the work, no matter what phase you're in of your career. Don't wait for someone to ask you to fulfill a task - take initiative, ask for what you want, and back it up with proving you follow through on your work.
Where are some of your favourite places to shop and eat at in New York?
I enjoy shopping on the vintage circuit in Williamsburg. That's an ideal Saturday afternoon to me - just thrifting with a friend after brunch and a Bloody Mary. Stopping in Rachel Comey on Crosby is always a lovely experience, as well as Frankie Shop in the LES. It's tough to pick a favorite restaurant in NYC because new ones are opening all the time. There's a risotto place I adore in the East Village, but it's super small and I can't blow up my spot :) Ippudo for ramen is incredible, and 100% Roberta’s for pizza in Bushwick.
We’re curious – what does a typical day in the life look like for you?
It's non-stop from the moment I step out my front door. My inbox is filled with hundreds of emails each day; I have copy due; There are appointments to attend and meetings and shoots to schedule. It's a lot of fun, but you have to be incredibly organized and have good time management skills.
Favourite designers to wear?
Nanushka, Kara, Ganni, Collina Strada, Dries van Noten, Veda, Proenza Schouler. I'm graviting towards more vintage these days, but picking up a few new pieces from my favorite designers each season is always a good time.
Tell us about your most recent adventure and an upcoming one that you’re excited for!
I just went to Copenhagen Fashion Week for the first time which was an amazing experience. It's such a different energy than New York. It's smaller, but everyone is so passionate about the clothes and the experience. I travel so much for work which is amazing, but I also love when I can just escape to upstate with some girlfriends or have a weekend in L.A. with my partner.
You have such a playful approach to clothing, what are some of the pieces in your closet that you’re most excited about?
There's a killer vintage store I just discovered a few hours outside the city in the Catskills. I bought a 1940s tulle dressing gown set that I'm excited to wear for fashion week. It’s like a lemon chiffon cake come to life. I love taking a hyper feminine piece and paring it with some shit kicker boots and a chunky silver necklace.
What kind of silhouettes are you drawn to when putting together an outfit?
I like playing with proportion. Not everything should fall the same way in my opinion, so if it's looser on top I'll gravitate towards a straighter silhouette on bottom, and vice versa. Wearing something that's "flattering" is for the most part not interesting to me. I'd rather wear an unexpected look that makes me feel cool and confident. That's way sexier to me.
Favourite city to travel to?
It's cliche but Paris.
Makeup or skincare product you couldn’t live without?
I'm a beauty editor so that's damn near impossible. I love Caudalie's overnight detox oil. I've gone through about 8 bottles so far.
Three things you never leave the house without?
Air pods, phone, lip balm.
Your idea of happiness?
Being able to do what you want, when you want, with who you want
What’s something in your closet that never lets you down?
Vintage high-waisted black trousers and a printed silk button down.
What is your current state of mind?
On alert. The world is a stressful place right now, politically, socially, environmentally. I just try not to tune out even when it all feels overwhelming.
Tea or coffee?
Coffee in the morning, green tea in the afternoon.
Apart from Coveteur, can you share with us some of your favourite online and print publications to read?
I adore smaller print magazines like Tidal and Gossamer. The Gentlewoman is legit art. There's a shop on Mulberry street that carries every indie title you could imagine, so whatever looks good I'll pick up that month. I also keep a New York Times subscription and follow CNN and the Washington Post for major news. But when I really want to unwind, I prefer picking up a book. Non-fiction has been my favorite lately, especially from female writers.
And lastly, what does sustainability mean to you?
Not leaving the world with a mess it needs to clean up. Maintaining the resources that we have. Being respectful to the earth and all her inhabitants.
@hannahbaxward
