HANNAH NECKLACE SHORT metal NECKLACE LONG metal, glass and strass JACKET tweed embroidered with sequins, embellished with gold braid PANTS capri pants in tweed embroidered with sequins, embellished with gold braid
SLEEK: You once described yourself as enthusiastic. What inspires you? And how do you notice it?
Hannah Herzsprung: It’s actually about a pretty direct, first-feeling about things that I perceive. I have actually asked myself when exactly such a moment arises when I decide on a project. For example, when I immerse myself in a script, when I read a story and realise that I really want to play it, that exact feeling of excitement rises up in me. I open myself up completely while reading, immersing myself in ‘feeling’ a character. It’s such a crazy moment. I can’t describe it with words at all because it’s a more intuitive, physical sensation, which then enables me to ‘release’ a sense of determination–a strength and a will. For me, it is so significant to be able to say that I tried everything and put myself into it.
S: I can relate to that, because a certain form of enthusiasm comes with a sense of will, where you are sometimes surprised by yourself.
HH: Exactly, that’s what I meant. You always know at the end that you have given everything; it gives you a sense of freedom. But I also had to learn to give and to trust. On the one hand, you have to open up, show yourself, and on the other hand, of course, you have to protect yourself, because things can also not go well. I have learned quite well in the many years of my work as an actress, because with experience comes understanding.
Left: HANNAH EARRINGS metal, glass beads, resin and strass BOLERO in cotton tweed JACKET cotton tweed, embellished with jewelled buttons SHORTS in viscose and cotton Right: HANNAH JUMPSUIT topstitched quilted-effect leather embellished with jewelled buttons
S: I read that you are shy. Is that so?
HH: It’s more a form of positive reserve, which is very often confused with being shy.
S: Do you trust your intuition?
HH: There are moments when it’s easier and there are moments when it’s definitely more difficult. The easier ones just feel great. I take both for granted and live happily with it. There is no right or wrong. It’s the decision that matters, because making decisions is a big and important process. My intuition leads me to making decisions. Likewise, it is a work that never stops. I am a very thoughtful person who always tries to analyse. Trusting your intuition gives you the wonderful feeling that everything in itself can be very simple and clear.
HANNAH TUNIC with multicolor stripes in cotton jacquard, embroidered with sequins and embellished with jewelled buttons
S: We communicate through what we wear. What is it about working with Chanel that strengthens you?
HH: It’s just nice that, especially at events, Chanel’s fashion makes me feel so safe, embraced and taken care of. Chanel’s clothes help me to better face all the unknowns that I encounter. They give me strength and carry me, in the most beautiful sense, through a special evening. For me, everything belongs together, because these special moments and events in my profession are unique, and I feel honoured to be able to wear these beautiful things exactly then. With Chanel dresses, these occasions and evenings are special, and I am lucky to have been able to experience [this kind of thing] for some time now. Of course, I also have respect for how much people trust me.
S: What does happiness mean to you?
HH: Happiness is being able to be good with yourself and you don’t need anything from the outside. Happiness is an ability that we acquire. Happiness is that I became an actress and much more … [Laughs].
As featured in SLEEK 73 – PASSION. Available in print and digital here.
CREDITS
Photography: Philipp Verheyen
Styling: Camille Naomi Franke
Hair: Christian Fritzenwanker
Makeup: Philipp Verheyen using No.1 de CHANEL skincare and foundation and products from the Spring-Summer 2022 collection
Producer: Claude Gerber
Talent: Hannah Herzsprung
Light Designer: Lukas Vogt
Production Assistant: Sonya Mazuryk
Background Fabrics: Atelier Grüneberg