1. What was your first experience with design?

I have always loved fashion but have also always respected the function of clothing. Design for me started around the age of 12 out of the need to be resourceful. I would look at the clothes in my closet that were out of style or no longer fit me. Where some people might just get rid of these things, I would imagine how I could modify them to make something that felt fresh. I couldn’t afford to buy the cool, trendy thing so I would figure out a way to create the look out of what I already had. What started from necessity developed into skill and passion. I love to reinvent my clothes to this day. I am literally wearing a pair of high waisted, wide leg black jeans that I made out of two pairs of mid-rise skinny jeans that no longer fit me. It was a lot of deconstruction and experimenting.

2. How did you get the idea for Hilandel?

Hilandel was born out of the desire to create unique and special pieces, to use the best materials possible, and to support the Garment District of NYC through paying fair wages and supporting ethical working conditions. These are the most important aspects of design for me and running my own custom bridal business allows me to focus on these priorities.

3. Where does the name Hilandel come from?

The name Hilandel stands for my full name "Hillary Anne O’Dell." I wanted my company to be one word that was personal to me but I didn’t want it to be my namesake. I’ve seen too many designers lose control of their own name for one reason or another and although I don’t foresee that happening, it was something I wanted to safeguard against. However, one of my brides assumed it was hil-and-el to stand for Hillary and Eloise (my french bulldog), which never occurred to me but I totally love it.

4. What was one of the most memorable projects you worked on? Why?

Before starting my own business I had the opportunity to work at some major design houses. The first season seeing something I worked on go down the runway was incredible. It had been months of intense, high pressure work. Seeing it all come together and on display was truly a pinch-me moment.

5. How do you get inspired?

My brides inspire me. I get excited designing a look that is uniquely theirs, especially when the look they want isn’t my personal aesthetic. I want to make the best version of what they want. This enables me to think deeply about, create, and see things that I wouldn’t have if left up to my own devices.

6. When you’re not working with clients or designing, what do you like to do?

I LOVE watching TV- people feel embarrassed to admit this but there is so much good content out there I am always bouncing back and forth between HBO, Netflix and Apple TV. When I leave the house I like to go to the park with Eloise. Astoria has great parks along the East River. The view is beautiful. I love being near the water and laying under a tree, watching pockets of people come together. There is a big sense of community here. I also love to try new vegan restaurants. My current favorite is Planta Queen at 27th and Broadway. I really love music, it really impacts my mood. I prioritize seeing artists that I love when they come to the area. Some highlights that I’ve seen this past year are Billie Eilish, Stevie Nicks, Cage the Elephant, Incubus, Tones and I, Fletcher, Wet Leg, Green Day.

7. New York is an important part of your business, and part of who you are. How would you describe your relationship with the city?

New York is both a beauty and a beast. You can experience the best of the best and the worst of the worst on any given day. And because of that, this city is a canvas to experience the most magical moments while also keeping you grounded, humble and grateful. You could accidentally walk through a taping of your favorite TV show, sit next to a celebrity at the local coffee shop, eat the best food from all over the world, miss your train, have a rat run across your foot, step in something disgusting: all.in.the.same.day.

There’s also an authenticity to this city that I haven’t experienced anywhere else. There are cool and interesting people doing cool and interesting things everywhere: in the parks, on the street, in beautifully designed buildings. And yet at the same time, nobody really gives a fuck about who you are or how you look, as long as you’re you. I’ve never felt more at home.

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7 questions with Founder Hillary Anne O'Dell