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Simplicity, Estonian style

Victoria Holman
17/ 6/2008

TOUTED as ‘Estonia’s answer to Lady Di’ by one mealy-mouthed journalist, one thing is for sure… Hannah is big with a capital ‘B’ in her homeland.

As big as Kylie or Beyoncé by all reckonings, with a 10-year music career under her belt at the age of just 27!

Now the popular soft-rocker is to release a record (sixth album Everything Is Changing) outside of Estonia for the first time, her influence is set to widen.

And the Jennifer Aniston-style admirer has already had her own influence on the fashion world, with new designer Charles Svingholm naming a shirt the ‘Hannah shirt’ after she wore his clothes in her video.

With stylists throwing clothes at her, surely it would be difficult for Hannah not to look good. But just what are her style secrets? I asked her about life and clothes…

How did you get into music?
I started at 3 years old and I have been playing piano since I was 7 and writing music since I was 13. I was in several choirs as a child, so music has just always been a big part of my life.

What is your music like?
It’s very hard to categorise my music, for me it is something really hard to describe because it’s so personal. Music is something you have to feel. I would say my music is very honest, emotional and personal. It’s pop but also more than that.

How were you discovered?
I’ve been in music for over 10 years now, so it’s hard to remember how it all began! I had several offers from major labels, but when it came down to it I decided I really wanted to sign with an indie label. Major labels just have so many artists to look after at once.

What have you been up to over the last year?
It’s been a really busy year for me, with lots of travelling. I’ve done two radio tours in the UK and shot my latest video in London. I’ve also done a lot of promo in France and some concerts both in the UK and back home in Estonia.

Style wise what inspires you?
I have a few favourite designers, in particular Roberto Cavalli, his clothes are beautiful. I would describe my style as very classic and feminine, I’m quite a conservative person really and this is reflected in my style.

Are you keen on ethical fashion?
I am, but particularly ethical jewellery. It’s important to know how and where your clothes are made, I think this is something people are becoming more aware of now.

Best beauty pick-me-up:
I prefer my products to be natural and organic if possible, but I can’t resist Dior facial creams!

Best luxury beauty item:
It would have to be anything from the Dior facial or cosmetics range. They’re such high quality products and a real treat.

Favourite look at the moment:
I don’t have a particular trend that I’m in to, but there is a great new designer that I love at the moment called Charles Svingholm. I wore a lot of his clothes in my most recent video, and he even named a shirt after me, the ‘Hannah shirt’ in his new collection.

Best clothes shop:
The shops in Estonia are not that fantastic. I tend to do most of my shopping in London or Cannes. If I’m looking for designer it has to be Cavalli, but I also love Topshop – they do great accessories.

Best buy:
I have 2 Kenzo scarves which I love at the moment.

Biggest error:
Maybe I’m not the right person to ask about my fashion mistakes! I’m lucky that I have a great stylist who advises me, so I can’t think of any really bad fashion errors.

Fashion icon: I would say Jennifer Aniston, I love her style and she is a really beautiful woman. She doesn’t follow all the latest trends but has a very classic style and always looks wonderful.

For more info on Hannah, check out her website .