L’Officiel: You’ve become a global style icon, known for your bold yet elegant looks. How do you balance personal expression with staying ahead of ever-changing fashion trends?
Leonie Hanne: For me, style is about balance. I’ve always gravitated toward timeless, beautifully made pieces that I know I’ll still love in ten years. At the same time, I’m fortunate to work so closely with many of my favorite brands, which allows me to wear the newest runway looks for shows or cover shoots. I love sharing that sense of newness with my audience -even if it’s not always something I would personally invest in, because fashion is also about fun, creativity, and entertainment. My approach is to build a strong capsule wardrobe while also celebrating the fresh designs that inspire me each season.
From front rows at fashion weeks to millions of online followers, you’ve bridged the gap between digital and luxury. How do you see the role of influencers evolving in shaping the industry?
It’s such an exciting moment for fashion, especially at the high end where there’s a real shake-up happening. What feels most important now is creating an authentic, personal connection. That’s always been my favourite part of this job-being present for incredible fashion moments, but also translating them into stories that my audience can share with me. I think the role of influencers will continue to be about trust, perspective, and authenticity, shaping how people engage with fashion on a very human level.
Luxury brands are increasingly focusing on sustainability. How do you approach mindful fashion choices while working with global houses?
Sustainability has always been close to my heart. I’ve built my wardrobe around investment pieces, things I know I’ll re-wear endlessly, like a perfectly tailored blazer or beautifully made boots. I believe in investing in the best version you can afford, because when you buy with longevity in mind, your wardrobe evolves with you. That’s why I really value working with houses that champion craftsmanship and heritage. For special events, I also love borrowing looks-it’s a wonderful way to celebrate a design without necessarily needing to buy it.
Your Instagram showcases a dream world of fashion, travel, and beauty. What’s one thing about your journey that followers may not see on social media?
Social media often shows the highlights, but not always the path that leads there. Many people don’t know that I had a corporate career, three business degrees, and that Alex and I built this life together over the last ten years, side by side. Before the glamour and the luxury brands came many “no’s,” a lot of trial and error, and plenty of lessons learned. Even now, the reality is early mornings, sleepless nights, and long periods away from family and friends. But I’m incredibly grateful, I wouldn’t trade this journey, because I truly love the life I’ve created.
Having collaborated with some of the world’s most prestigious fashion houses, what excites you most about the future of luxury and your own role within it?
Today’s audience is more educated and curious than ever, which makes luxury all the more about heritage, authenticity, and forward thinking. With so many changes in the industry, I’m fascinated to see how brands reclaim their positioning and evolve their storytelling in ways that feel more genuine. I feel so lucky to witness this evolution firsthand- to attend the shows, wear the collections, and share with my audience the ideas and artistry that inspire me most.
What’s next for Leonie?
This year already feels incredibly special. I celebrated my engagement dinner in Paris, visited some of my favorite destinations, and have been working behind the scenes on meaningful projects with brands I admire. At the same time, I’m finally focusing on some of my own creative ventures, which is very exciting. And of course, planning our wedding feels like a beautiful new chapter. I’m beyond grateful and so excited to share what’s ahead with my audience.
TEAM CREDITS:
Talent: Leonie Hanne @leoniehanne
Photographer: Tom Marvel @tommarvelphotography
Creative Director: Cannon @thecannonmediagroup at Atelier Management @ateliermgmt
Lighting Director: Murat Ozdemir @1muratozdemir1
Production: Winnie Noan @winnie_noan
Set Producer: Kathleen Tighe @kathleentig
Digital Tech: Olivia Wohlers @wohliviaa
Director of Video: Michael Fadeev @phadeevs
Set Designer: Stockton Hall @ at Atelier Management @ateliermgmt
Digital Artist: Theresa Hong @treehong with Cosmic Pixels @cosmicpixels_nyc
Photographer Assistants: Michele Swain @michelewihelminaphotography, Eric Wallace @polymathicwallace
Lighting Assistant: Angelos Rompolis
Videographer Assistant: Igor Momot @Igor.f.momot
Grip: George Pepe @gspepe
BEAUTY TEAM:
Hair: George Curran @georgecurranhair
Make Up: Kimberley Lever @kiimmiki
FASHION ASSISTANTS:
SabinaKahn @style.by.sabinakahn, Stephanie Cleto Wengerkiewicz @s.tephaniewenger, Madison Wen Gu @madisonwengu, Jack Umphrey @jackumphrey, Mario Rubino @mariorubinoo_, Natalia Rebaza @nataliarebaza_, Siara Bautista @xoxogoss1pgir1
Shot at: Untitled NYC @un_nyc
Special Thanks to: Alexander Galievsky, Olivia Flynn, and Annabell Li
Special Thanks to Jason and everyone at The Untitled NYC