HANILY DESIGN A LEGACY OF LOVE

Interview by JOSE-MARIA JIMENEZ

In the world of fashion, where creativity meets emotion, few stories are as compelling as that of Heidi Peckhaus , founder and designer of Hanily Design . With collections that are not only visually stunning but also deeply personal, Heidi has crafted a brand that stands as a testament to love, resilience, and the beauty of life. Her journey, marked by the profound loss of her children, has been transformed into a powerful legacy that breathes life into every piece she creates. As we delve into the heart of Hanily Design , we uncover the layers of inspiration and emotion that make this brand truly unique.

In this exclusive interview, Heidi Peckhaus shares the touching story behind Hanily Design , revealing how the memory of her children, Hana and Billy , became the cornerstone of her creative vision. From the symbolic two wings that represent freedom and protection to the intricate, imaginative kimonos that define her collections, Heidi ’s work is infused with a poignant blend of love and artistry. Join us as we explore the ethos of Hanily , where each design is more than just fashion—it is a celebration of life, courage, and the enduring power of a mother’s love.

Heidi, thank you for sharing your journey with us. Could you tell us more about the inspiration behind your collections at Hanily Design?

The inspiration behind Hanily Design comes from a deeply rooted personal place. After the loss of both of my children, I realized that we no longer had a legacy. Creating Hanily became a way to honor my children’s memory by combining both of their names, Hana and Billy , and create something meaningful. Each collection is a tribute to love, resilience, and the beauty of life helping to tell a story that connects with the hearts of those who wear Hanily.

Your story of resilience and love is incredibly moving. How has your personal journey influenced the designs and ethos of Hanily?

My personal journey has profoundly impacted the way I design and what the brand represents. Love goes into everything I do from the very point of fruition to the final launch of our products, reflecting my determination to create something beautiful in the midst of chaos. This journey has taught me to appreciate the beauty of life, moments of joy and recovery from loss, which I strive to capture in every part of the process. Hanily is more than just another brand, it is a celebration of life, courage, and the enduring power of love.

Your kimonos are described as wildly imaginative and inspiring. How do you approach the creative process when designing each piece?

Designing each kimono starts with an initial idea and I envision that in my head and start to tell the story through the process. Starting with a concept or emotion that I want to express, often drawing inspiration from nature, art, and personal experiences, and experimenting with colors, patterns, and textures to bring that vision to life. Every piece is crafted with attention to detail, ensuring it captures the essence of Hanily 's imaginative and free spirit. I love seeing our kimonos come to life after so much thought, sampling and attention to the smallest of details. It’s a process, but I believe anything worth doing requires dedication and love.

The iconic two wings of Hanily hold significant meaning. Could you share with us the story behind this symbol and its representation in your brand?

I love our wings and to me they symbolize freedom, protection, and the fact that we are not alone. Our wings remind me of my children, who are now my angels, guiding and inspiring me from above. It is a reminder of their presence and a mother’s love that will live forever. It embodies strength and grace that helps to guide me in every aspect. Our taglines “Spread Your Wings” and “Come Fly with Us” is impactful when people start connecting the wings with our brand presence.

Hanily Design is known for its unique prints exclusive to the brand. What are some of the sources of inspiration for these prints?

After being so monotone in my color palette with design for so many years, I am finding new inspiration in the vibrant colors and intricate patterns of the world around us. Each print is designed to evoke emotion and tell a story, making every piece a wearable work of art. Take for instance our KOI …I had a love for fish early in my life, at one point I think I could account for six aquariums in my home. My dream to have a koi pond one day helped inspire me in the making of our best seller, the KOI kimono.

The Kimono Lab by Hanily sounds like a space for creative exploration. Can you walk us through the process of developing new patterns and designs in this lab?

At the onset of launching Hanily Design I became obsessed with our kimonos. I knew this was going to be the start of something beautiful and I could not have thought of a better name. “The Kimono Lab by Hanily” is a creative platform that knows no bounds, where ideas flow freely, and inspiration is gathered to experiment with different fabrics, colors, and techniques. Ideas come to fruition when the samples are created and refined as needed until I see the perfect balance of wildly and sometimes quirky and innovative designs on our kimonos. This free-flowing process ensures that each design is unique and true to the Hanily spirit.

Your mission to inspire and bring smiles through fashion is touching. How do you ensure that this mission is reflected in every aspect of your brand?

I love that people worldwide are wearing our brand! It takes a lot of effort, time, resources and monetary sacrifices but the result is amazing. I do believe listening to your customers, friends and clients help to improve and delivery a unique product by focusing on quality, creativity, and meaningful connections. Each design is crafted with love with a keen attention to detail, aiming to bring joy and inspiration to those who wear Hanily . Our commitment to giving back through charitable initiatives further reinforces our mission to spread positivity and make a difference.

Collaboration seems to be an integral part of Hanily's ethos. Could you share some memorable collaborations and what they brought to your brand?

I think my middle name is collaboration! So indeed, a core part of Hanily 's ethos is working together. I get to know those I partner with, whether it’s my local outreach or my overseas partners, connections are important to nurture and grow the brand. I share my story with them so that they understand Hanily is not just another brand on the rack, that we are a legacy of love. I try to learn about them as well…who they are, valuing their opinions and feedback to further enhance production in the most successful way. So, collaboration and connections with a caring approach is the core of Hanily Design .

As a designer and owner, what challenges have you faced in building and growing Hanily Design, and how have you overcome them?

The growth of Hanily has come with its fair share of personal and monetary sacrifices to stand out in a very competitive industry. And yes, there have been quite a few setbacks, but I see them as opportunities for personal growth and that is empowering! Working hard has always been my nature and balancing a fulltime job in corporate America, maintaining and nurturing personal relationships, an occasional dip in the culinary world along with feeding my soul of Hanily requires passion and commitment. Balancing time is super important in every aspect of life. But when you find that balance its that “sweet spot” worth discovering. Nothing is ever too difficult to achieve if you work hard, have a good outlook and overall keep the faith. You can do great things with a little faith in yourself and others.

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the fashion industry. How does Hanily Design incorporate sustainability practices into its operations?

Sustainability works with the collaboration of like-minded individuals and smaller companies to produce our products so that our partners can prioritize ethical and ecofriendly practices over mass-production. By maintaining limited quantities, we help our partners refine production processes, reducing excess waste and minimizing the risk of excess product ending up in landfills. Our designs are timeless and made to last, encouraging customers to invest in pieces they will treasure for years rather than discard of after a single season.

Hanily is available both online and at select boutiques. How do you maintain the brand experience across different platforms and locations?

Maintaining a consistent brand experience across different selling platforms and locations is essential for the growth of Hanily. Online presence, social media, and engaging customers and clients is crucial, timeconsuming but also gratifying. I realized a while back when the kimonos started selling that I needed to partner with boutiques that I would want to do business with and carry our brand. Offering wholesale or consignment opportunities with select boutiques was key. Customers encounter the same experience when wearing our brand, knowing we are not mass-produced and the story behind Hanily Design. I also like to engage clients and customers on social media as much as possible. I believe in uplifting others, and in the process it´s key to evolving any brand that wants to be known for more than just a high price tag. Your journey of self-discovery led you back to your love for fashion and design. How do you continue to nurture your passion and creativity in your work?

One Word – Time. I nurture my passion and creativity by making time for it, staying curious and open to new experiences. Traveling when I can, exploring different cultures, and engaging with other artists and designers keep my creative spirit alive. I also take time to reflect on my personal journey and the emotions that drive me, using them as fuel for inspiration and new ideas. This ongoing process of selfdiscovery ensures that Hanily remains vibrant and evolving.

Could you share some insights into upcoming collections or projects that Hanily Design has in the pipeline?

The Kimono Lab by Hanily will offer some new prints for our exclusive kimonos. There is so much to evolve in as it relates to new designs. We are exploring opportunities for our customers to create their very own kimono by selecting their fabric of choice and trim. It’s a win-win situation, so stay tuned for more on The Kimono Lab by Hanily . And while weather in Florida allows for us to wear dresses year-round, the obsession with the maxi-dress will continue for sure. The Black Dress Collection will shine bright like a “diamond” (key word there), timeless and classic, you can never go wrong with a black dress.

Giving back seems to be a core value for Hanily Design. Can you tell us more about the charitable initiatives and donations that your brand supports?

Helping others is important and the essence of the heart of Hanily . Everyone has a story. Some of those less fortunate do not have the capacity or means to better their lives and our communities are suffering. We need to do our part to keep being “a good human”. My children were both givers and that is the driving force of our charitable efforts. These initiatives allow Hanily to make a meaningful impact to those less fortunate and honor the legacy of my children.

We are loving the designs and colors from Just Beach Me Collection, tell us more about this new venture!

It’s a fun one! I mean, who doesn’t love the beach? It was one of those typical nights when my mind wouldn’t rest, and I was just thinking “just beach me” anywhere. This venture has so much potential it’s crazy. It’s like just beach me to Ibiza, just beach me to Turks and Caicos, just beach me to St. Tropez, just beach me to the California Coast, I mean the world is our oyster! The possibilities are endless to grow the Just Beach Me Collection and the opportunities to partner with others in this venture outside of Hanily Design .

Looking ahead, what are your hopes and aspirations for the future of Hanily Design, both creatively and ethically?

Hanily Design is more than just another brand. It has been the rebirth of my soul, a way to keep my children's legacy alive and continue our story. Creatively, I aspire to keep pushing the boundaries of fashion, exploring new ideas, and crafting pieces that inspire and resonate with people all around the world. I am committed to deepening sustainability and using available resources to achieve this with my partners, both local and overseas, along with expanding our charitable initiatives to include a more global outreach. Hanily is me, my children, a love that will always be, representing hope, resilience, and the ongoing quest to bring more love and positivity into our world.