Model Off Duty: Hanne Gaby Odiele
Like most people, when watching our favorite shows (such as any installment of the Real Housewives franchise) or listening to the radio, we tend to fast-forward through commercials or simply change the channel. Yet, when flipping through a stack of fashion magazines, our attitude is quite different. We love looking at the luxury labels' latest advertisements, as they're more fantasy than infomercial. Plus, these pages are the perfect scouting ground for our Model Off Duty stories! We figure that if a girl can coax us into buying something or create such a beautiful image, she just might have similarly striking personal style. Today, the theory proved true once again, as we found that one of the stars of Balenciaga's Spring 09 campaign—Hanne Gaby Odiele—is just as intriguing her in own clothes as she is on the page.
While you might have noticed Odiele on the March cover of Vogue Italia, in the Terry Richardson-shot French Vogue calendar, or in editorials for magazines like Harper's Bazaar or Numero, we've been tracking her personal style. As you might have noticed from today's art, Odiele has never met a pair of peep-toe lace-up booties she didn't like! She'll occasionally break out a party frock, like the pink Miu Miu dress she styled with a Marni bag, Miu Miu shoes, and black opaques for a Prada party (above, far left), but tends to stick to her favored skinny pants for most occasions.
Those cigarette trousers were the foundation for Odiele's look while in Milan, where she walked in Prada's F/W 09 show (second from left). The Belgian model accented the slim lines of her Balenciaga pants with a boxy, vintage, acid-wash jean jacket, then added a Dries Van Noten scarf and her favorite purple Balenciaga Arena Giant Brief ($1695) to finish the look.
Odiele selected a similarly svelte pair of pants for the Balenciaga S/S 09 show (second from right), though she went for a totally different top. Rather than wearing a jacket with a squared-off shape, she pulled out a bold-shouldered Balenciaga topper from their S/S 08 collection. In fact, everything Odiele wore that day was Balenciaga, as the fashion house is one of her favorites.
Aside from Odiele's fondness for simple skinnies and toe-showing shoe-boots, she also demonstrates a loyalty to one bold color: violet. Whether it's her aforementioned electric grape Balenciaga bag or the bright purple Dries Van Noten jacket she wore to a party celebrating the New York launch of Topshop (far right), this model regularly turns to this rich hue. In regards to the latter, Odiele used the purple piece to set off a khaki pair of Balenciaga pants and a gray-and-pink tiger stripe scarf. The result is a masterful mix that's worth watching and emulating.
On that note, since many of our MOD's favorite items are high-fashion garments from seasons' past, we found a few items that have an Odiele-like look and more affordable prices. Obviously the proper footwear is of paramount importance, so we grabbed a slew of shoes for your browsing pleasure. Steve Madden makes two of the most affordable versions; try the Towwer Bootie
($150) or the Raceyy Bootie
($150) for bit of high-street flair. New York boutique Oak also has a version that's easy on the pocketbook, heavy on the style. Their Peep Toe Lace Up Wedges ($220) are available in black suede or black leather and have a great look. If you'd rather splurge on a fancy pair, Givenchy's Lace Up Ankle Boots ($499, on sale) are definitely in order.
As far as outerwear goes, we'd like to direct you to Urban Renewal's Studded Denim Jacket ($148) and Doma's Washed-Leather Bomber Jacket
($505). The wash on our denim-jacket pick isn't quite as Whitesnake as the one Odiele's wearing, which might make it more appealing for some of you. Additionally, though the bomber is technically cobalt, it's got a similar tone and shape as her Dries Van Noten version. Our final suggestion is for Odiele's favorite accessory: the oversized print scarf. While neither of the above scarves are available online, we can suggest Topshop's Neon Zebra Silk Scarf ($44) as an admirable substitute for her animal-patterned piece. If you want her exact scarf, you'll have to wait; the Yarnz Zebra Scarf ($165) in Pink doesn’t hit Shopbop.com
until the end of July. In the meantime feel free to enjoy the neutral Camel
($165) version, which is currently available. Toss either option artfully around your shoulders and pull on your favorite pair of peep-toe booties for a well-executed ode to Odiele!
Photos of Hanne Gaby Odiele, from firstVIEW and ImaxTree.
While you might have noticed Odiele on the March cover of Vogue Italia, in the Terry Richardson-shot French Vogue calendar, or in editorials for magazines like Harper's Bazaar or Numero, we've been tracking her personal style. As you might have noticed from today's art, Odiele has never met a pair of peep-toe lace-up booties she didn't like! She'll occasionally break out a party frock, like the pink Miu Miu dress she styled with a Marni bag, Miu Miu shoes, and black opaques for a Prada party (above, far left), but tends to stick to her favored skinny pants for most occasions.
Those cigarette trousers were the foundation for Odiele's look while in Milan, where she walked in Prada's F/W 09 show (second from left). The Belgian model accented the slim lines of her Balenciaga pants with a boxy, vintage, acid-wash jean jacket, then added a Dries Van Noten scarf and her favorite purple Balenciaga Arena Giant Brief ($1695) to finish the look.
Odiele selected a similarly svelte pair of pants for the Balenciaga S/S 09 show (second from right), though she went for a totally different top. Rather than wearing a jacket with a squared-off shape, she pulled out a bold-shouldered Balenciaga topper from their S/S 08 collection. In fact, everything Odiele wore that day was Balenciaga, as the fashion house is one of her favorites.
Aside from Odiele's fondness for simple skinnies and toe-showing shoe-boots, she also demonstrates a loyalty to one bold color: violet. Whether it's her aforementioned electric grape Balenciaga bag or the bright purple Dries Van Noten jacket she wore to a party celebrating the New York launch of Topshop (far right), this model regularly turns to this rich hue. In regards to the latter, Odiele used the purple piece to set off a khaki pair of Balenciaga pants and a gray-and-pink tiger stripe scarf. The result is a masterful mix that's worth watching and emulating.
On that note, since many of our MOD's favorite items are high-fashion garments from seasons' past, we found a few items that have an Odiele-like look and more affordable prices. Obviously the proper footwear is of paramount importance, so we grabbed a slew of shoes for your browsing pleasure. Steve Madden makes two of the most affordable versions; try the Towwer Bootie
As far as outerwear goes, we'd like to direct you to Urban Renewal's Studded Denim Jacket ($148) and Doma's Washed-Leather Bomber Jacket
Photos of Hanne Gaby Odiele, from firstVIEW and ImaxTree.
I think she's gorgeous, and I too have a couple favorite pieces in my closet that I turn to time after time, so I can relate... And in regards to her weight, this is a fashion blog, so let's focus on that, and besides you must not follow fashion very closely if you're in any way surprised that a model is thin.
Posted by: Ryan | 2009-06-26 13:31:30
I felt compelled to post. I am so glad that I am not the only one who thinks she is way to thin, looks terrible. I hope designers will start reading these posts and realize that women do not want to look like strung out heroin users, nor do we want to wear styles that only look good on clothes hangers - the reason models must be so thin - so they can mimic a clothes hanger. I'd like to add that her eye makeup is disgusting as well. Women unite fight back against unhealthy styles!!
Posted by: isabelle8787 | 2009-06-23 17:18:02
apparently she only owns one pair of shoes.
Posted by: | 2009-06-18 13:21:22
not impressed. rather frightened in all honesty.
Posted by: Shayelle | 2009-05-31 18:21:36
What does the fact that she's flemish have anything to do with it?? Also, newsflash: she's a runway model, those are crazy skinny, kind of goes with the job. When whowhatwear are picking a model for modeloffduty it's not like they have this big selection of body types to choose from. On her style: she obviously has a favourite outfit that she keeps coming back to. Makes it not that interesting for us, of course.
Posted by: Caitlin | 2009-05-31 17:20:35
she should eat... seriously.
Posted by: vikky | 2009-05-30 22:36:49
yawn
Posted by: Ilana | 2009-05-28 22:47:04
Yeah I agree with other posts. By putting models who are too thin on display whowhatwear is promoting that body type. And it is not because she is Flemish. Anyone with half a brain can see that she is ill. It is not because we are used to seeing fat people as someone suggested. We are all into fashion and love watching models strut their stuff. I think its quite the opposite. Since we are used to seeing skinny models when we see someone too skinny we recognize it.
Posted by: inco34 | 2009-05-28 18:58:20
I don't think she is ugly. I just think she is probably very ill. If I had cancer or if I was a drug addict, my butt would look better in stovepipes also. But I am glad that I am not in that situation. I am not advocating for obesity, nor am I advocating for starvation. Both are unhealthy lifestyles with extremely negative repercussions. You know, a shortened life span.
Posted by: Beth | 2009-05-28 16:29:03
Well...first off I think a lot of the girls commenting are right that she is too skinny. She isn't really ugly though. I like the first picture the best. softens her up a lot and looks better over all. The shoes have got to go though because they are just all the same thing. Why not a close toed pump or a wedge? She is a good model though and can pull off just about anything. The 3rd pic is terrible. I remember the makeup from a show she did that looked like that and it was dreadful...on all the models. style is a little hoe hum on some aspects but over all not too bad. I would like to make a request though...I know that everyone that looks at this site is not all 5'9 or taller and weights 100-120 lbs either. Could we have some people shown that have different body types? some with curves, some with more in one area that the other and all that jazz? Yes, we all like fashion, but we all can't pull off what is on a model like her now can we? If i wore stove pipes my butt would look bigger than it already is. Just a thought. :)
Posted by: Michelle Curry | 2009-05-28 15:26:47
Where are her eyebrows? Did she eat them?
Posted by: concerned | 2009-05-28 14:52:16
This model is far too emaciated to make these clothes look good. I feel like my 3 year old little sister would make the pants on the third picture look better. As far as her style, its boring and contrived.
Posted by: redpoint | 2009-05-28 13:36:19
I always wondered why models had to be so thin that they were literally starving to death. I mean does anyone really think that is healthy? Remember what happened to Karen Carpenter? She was a victim of the misconception that in order to be attractive, girls have to weigh 85lbs. Actually the real reason why models are so skinny is because it is easier to design clothing if it is stick straight versus curvy. Nobody really thinks that is healthy - designers are just lazy - or dumb.
Posted by: Beth | 2009-05-28 09:02:17
Every time a model based post is featured, it turns in to a debate about what is probably the girl's natural figure. This is a site about clothes. End of. If they were excessively skinny, they would have bad skin etc. I believe that obesity has become such a norm in countries like the US that people are blinded in to thinking it is normal, when that is the real epidemic. This video on Natasha Poly from 1:05 supports what I am saying http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wS_o1u1HTuU&feature=fvsr
Posted by: Benjamin | 2009-05-28 06:03:07
I agree with all of you, she looks way too harsh in the third picture! it is sort of frightening. I think some more weight would do her wonders
Posted by: rach | 2009-05-28 05:30:26
I'm glad most of us agree. What the...? First she is way to skinny. Second has a massive forehead. Third, clothes don't even look that good on her. I don't think i will be looking at this sight any more for one reason. By you posting pictures of someone who is so unhealthy and worryingly thing, you are promoting that image to all young girls out there. Shame on you whowhatwear team.
Posted by: Nic | 2009-05-28 02:39:16
scary
Posted by: Lianna | 2009-05-27 23:45:50
WWW not ur best post, her style is nothing but special , and she's scary , she shouldn't be featured!
Posted by: sara | 2009-05-27 18:35:58
I feel compelled to make a comment, something I have never done before. To reiterate what people before have noted.... this girl is too thin! I feel physically sick that this is being put infront of me and other people as something to admire. I love your site but promoting us to follow the footsteps of a girl with a 7-year-olds hips is just ridiculous.
Posted by: jane | 2009-05-27 18:09:59
Wow at the bone structure but she's very odd looking... Quite like the fourth outfit though.
Posted by: Amy | 2009-05-27 15:31:57
she's rubbing me the wrong way... i'm not sure if i like the way she looks. i do agree that she seems to pull off balenciaga quite effortlessly but she needs to buy another pair of shoes and wear make-up that actually compliments her face.
Posted by: nicole | 2009-05-27 15:21:55
i can't really get past her lack of eyebrows...it definitely makes her unique
Posted by: Marie | 2009-05-27 15:05:07
She is terribly thin, BUT she is Flemish and has very strong bone structure. The fringe suits her and makes her look a bit softer. She is an AMAZING model. You can't look away from her editorials. And her sense of style is incredible, no one can carry off Balenciaga quite so effortlessly. Its a refreshing move away from balmainwangamania.
Posted by: joie | 2009-05-27 13:50:18
She looks terrible. Please, what happened to the actually attractive models? This is an abomination.
Posted by: Maia | 2009-05-27 13:24:09
Ugh.. are you serious! She is ugly in an alien, sick, way too skinny way and her clothes? BOOOORRRIINNGGG!!! Has the girl only got one pair of shoes? NEXT!!
Posted by: Sarah | 2009-05-27 11:40:35
ugh, this is terrible! She is far too skinny, unhealthy looking and her style is nothing we haven't seen before; she's wearing the same shoes in every photo for god sakes. where is the inspiration?
Posted by: celestialmoonbe | 2009-05-27 11:21:21
I am so frightened at how thin every model and celebrity has gotten in the past few years, and how it's become acceptable. I do enjoy the first two outfits.
Posted by: SheShe | 2009-05-27 11:00:36
all I can see is that she is scary skinny. it overrides any nice outfits she is wearing. sorry.
Posted by: Michelle Grant | 2009-05-27 10:57:15
yeah her style is jsut ok. i mean, nice that she can buy designer brands, but heres proof money doesnt always buy you style
Posted by: ami | 2009-05-27 09:41:19
wow she's got such a versatile look about her.. love it! she looks on the shorter side???? xo http://yvetteyeau.com
Posted by: Yvette | 2009-05-27 09:38:18
Forget about the clothes. The girl is scary thin and looks like a lollipop. Now, the way she dresses, not so cute.
Posted by: mochababe73 | 2009-05-27 08:58:59
She looks so different in each shot. A perfect (if crazy skinny) versatile model. http://catwalkkeener.onsugar.com
Posted by: Vanessa | 2009-05-27 08:58:13
She is so cute!!! Love her style! Great post! http://www.lovellegirl.blogspot.com
Posted by: Tara | 2009-05-27 08:41:01
Yech - She looks gnarly in the 3rd pic. She looks so harsh.
Posted by: Llew | 2009-05-27 08:16:53
i like her look in the first one best, more natural and sweet! she dresses ok, but nothing special really... http://delicatessenofstyle.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Delicatessen! | 2009-05-27 04:31:23