Who are you?
I'm Hannah! The womenswear buyer and store manager at Highs and Lows in Perth, WA.
I'm a Taurus, a cat person, and a bit of a homebody. I value intuition, comfort, authenticity and creativity.
What sets your soul on fire?
Creativity, design, and the feeling of nostalgia. I love learning from others and hearing how they see the world. I spent half my childhood in the hills of Perth and the other half in Jurien Bay, a small coastal town up north. Going back to either place always brings a sense of comfort and resets me every time.
What does a day in the life look like for you, on or off the clock?
My day usually starts with a matcha and some time with my cats before heading into work, which is a mix between the office and the store. On the way, I’ll often listen to a podcast or music to set the tone for the day. After work, I try to move my body in some way, whether it’s a walk, skipping or more recently yoga. My partner, who’s an ex-chef, usually prepares dinner, so we always enjoy something delicious at the end of the day. We wind down with a show or film, and occasionally go for a night drive through Kings Park or walk around the city. It's a small routine we both really enjoy.
What has your career journey looked like so far?
I studied a few different paths after high school — Social Work and Graphic Design — before finding my way into Fashion. After completing my Advanced Diploma in Fashion and Textile Design, I honestly had no idea where I’d end up. While studying, I worked casually at Zara for about 2 to 3 years. Thankfully, I landed a casual floor role at Highs and Lows, and over time moved into full-time, then into management, and now buying. I've been at HAL for four and a half years now, and I really love it.
Where do you feel most grounded in yourself?
Usually in quiet, familiar spaces, at home with my cats or surrounded by things that bring me comfort and inspiration. I also definitely feel grounded when I’m working, whether that’s curating, styling, or connecting with people in a meaningful way.
You have what many would call a dreamy job, purchasing for Highs and Lows (HAL). From building relationships with brands to selecting, styling, and buying, there’s a lot that goes into it. I’d love to know more about the role, and how you make it your own.
What drew you to buying, and what keeps it meaningful?
I’ve always leaned toward the more analytical side, even while studying fashion at TAFE. My creative side was thriving, but I found myself missing the structure and rhythm of more strategic thinking. When I shadowed my current co-buyer before stepping into the role, I knew it was right for me.
Buying is the ideal blend of creativity, curation, forecasting, analytics, and collaboration. I’m naturally a bit shy, so stepping into this role felt intimidating at first, but I saw it as a challenge, and I love pushing myself in that way. The progression into this space felt really natural and aligned with both what I value and what I enjoy. That sense of alignment is what makes the work feel genuinely meaningful every day.
What’s something about your role that people don’t often see?
Such a good question. There’s so much about a buying role that consumers don’t always see. One of the more interesting parts is navigating the balance between wins and losses. Every buying decision is a calculated risk, and while not every choice lands exactly as I hope, each one teaches me something valuable.
Since we’re forecasting and placing orders 6 to 8 months ahead, so many factors can change - trends, consumer behaviour, and the retail landscape. Sometimes I’ll fully back a product, and then it doesn’t perform as expected. When that happens, the accountability is mine, but I see it as a crucial part of growing and refining.
On the flip side, when a product does take off, it’s incredibly rewarding. It’s a win that feels like a real connection with the customers and the market. Those moments keep me motivated and excited, and they remind me why I love what I do.
How do you discover new brands and bring them into your world?
I’ve always had a natural interest in discovering new brands and emerging talent, it’s something I’ve been doing for years. Whether it’s through following Central Saint Martins graduates, keeping up with the LVMH Prize, or finding designers via independent fashion editors on Instagram, I’m constantly exploring. Once we collectively feel a brand aligns with the store, I’ll usually reach out directly, whether by email, Instagram, or through a mutual connection.
What’s coming up that has you excited?
We’re really excited to be launching a few new brands this season. These include Estudio Niksen, which we’re proud to be the first Australian stockist for, as well as Observe Gallery, an incredible label out of Melbourne, Bugskin, a fully upcycled bag brand also based in Melbourne, and Lauren Perrin, a super fun London-based brand known for their bold tights and stockings. On top of that, we have a few pop-ups happening in store for younger brands, which super excites me.
You mentioned your love for sourcing secondhand - pieces with character and story. We see your style online, through HAL and the campaigns you help shape. Does that same energy flow into your home and personal style? Where does it align, and where does it feel completely your own?
How would you describe your personal style?
I would say casual, considered and expressive. My style is a mix of oversized, streetwear-inspired silhouettes paired with a deep love for vintage and vintage designer pieces as well as bold stand-out items in the mix. I’m very drawn to classic tailoring like collared peacoats and heritage silhouettes but I also love softer, nostalgic details like lace or delicate textures. I am also a sucker for a bold item that is likely to be one of a kind.
What’s a favourite secondhand or vintage find that’s stayed with you?
Some of my most precious items would be a Chloé dress I bought from a secondhand store in Paris last year and my Chloé Betty bag I got a few years back from Depop.
When you’re sourcing for yourself, what are you looking for?
Silhouettes are super important to me — I know what I like and what works for my body. I also try to be super intentional with what I bring into my wardrobe, often looking for pieces that fill a gap or add something new to what I already have.
Is your style more instinct, mood, or method?
I’d describe my approach to curating my wardrobe as methodical, but how I dress each day is guided more by instinct and mood.
Paris Fashion Week is definitely a topic of interest for me. What’s it really like to be there, not just to attend, but to be there for work? How does it feel to move through that space with purpose, responsibility, and a creative eye?
Walk us through a day in your life during Paris Fashion Week.
We start by having coffee and breakfast at home before heading to our first appointment, which usually begins at 10 am. We then jump from location to location to visit each brand that we have booked, usually with 30 to 60 minute slots for appointments. Finding a baguette for lunch on the go is a must.
Each brand presents their collection and we basically look through all the pieces, touching the fabrics, figuring out the silhouettes and fit, and then curating a rack of our selections before taking some images of the selects.
Appointments usually wrap up around 5 pm, and after a quick freshen up, we head to a brand event almost every night. This is where all the socialising and networking happens.
What’s been a standout moment while travelling for work or sourcing?
A standout moment for me always is getting to meet the brands we work with in person, whether for the first time or after not having seen them for 6 to 12 months. So much of our communication happens through emails, texts, and Zoom calls, so when we finally connect face to face, it feels really special. There’s something incredibly meaningful about meeting like-minded people and realising that the relationship is mutually supportive.
How do you foster connections with new brands or creatives?
I love this question but not sure how to answer without spilling some secrets and tricks of the trade. Let me know if you'd like another question to be answered instead.
What’s something you’ve learnt through your work experiences that has influenced your everyday life?
Definitely how to communicate and the importance of connections. Through work, I’ve learned how to connect with people I might not usually cross paths with, which is something I truly value.