Macayla Hanna's foray into the world of fashion followed a career as an intensive care nurse. As a result, she can cope with style and medical crises. Photo / Babiche Martens.
Former intensive care nurse Macayla Hanna now dispenses advice to friends who find themselves in fashion emergencies
Most of Macayla Hanna's colleagues know that if there's a fashion emergency, they'll be fairly safe around her.
As the marketing manager for Workshop and Helen Cherry her wardrobe is well stocked with clothes made by her employer and the labels they stock, like Chloe, Marc Jacobs and
soon, Miu Miu.
"My girlfriends come over all the time and say, 'Help, can you dress me?'," confesses five-months-pregnant Hanna.
But what colleagues may not know is they'll also be safe in a medical emergency. Before her foray into fashion, Hanna was an intensive care nurse. "When people find that out they tell me they feel pretty safe around me!"
Who are your favourite designers?
Helen Cherry, Phoebe Philo, Marc Jacobs, Kirrily Johnston, Miuccia Prada.
What was the last item of clothing you bought?
A gold Vanessa Bruno dress which I am going to wear to my friend Kerry's wedding.
Your biggest indulgence?
Grey Barbara Bui boots.
Who or what inspires you?
My husband George - he is so funny and loving and always has something positive to say.
Your favourite accessory?
Definitely my Chloe Birkin-style bag - for the moment anyway.
Best fashion bargain?
A pair of cool leopard boots I found rummaging through a vintage store in Buenos Aires, Argentina. They cost me about $50!
Who does the best shoes?
Havianas jandals. Not very glamorous, but very comfortable.
What's the one thing everyone should have in their wardrobe?
A pair of Workshop velvet jeans.
Your favourite shop elsewhere?
Las Pepas in Buenos Aires.
What is your beauty routine?
This is the year I have vowed to be good to my skin. As of January 1, I have started the old "cleanse, tone and moisturise" with Environ and have started using an eye cream. Also not drinking alcohol because I'm pregnant is bound to help.
Your best beauty tip?
Drink gallons of water.
What can't you live without?
Chico and Lola, my two cool cats.
Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?
Helen Cherry's, particularly with the recent addition of several dozen amazing Miu Miu items.
Is there anything you'd never wear?
Hotpants and a nursing outfit! Never again.
What won't you be wearing this season?
I'm not really into the resurgence of the "grunge" look. Not enough time has passed for it to be retro.
What is the biggest fashion mistake you have ever made?
My 1986 bubblegum jeans in acid wash were pretty bad I guess. But it gets worse. I teamed them with coloured kung-fu shoes and matching scrunch socks.
Is there anything you think the fashion police should ban?
Beige on beige. Never a good look.
Any style icons?
Maggie Gyllenhaal.
One rule you always dress by?
If you think you look fat in those pants, you probably do.
One rule you always break?
That something is only fashionable for one season.
