Dallas Lifestyle Blogger Turned Fashion Designer Unveils Her Edgiest Collection Yet

Hanh Merriman launched her namesake fashion line only two seasons ago, but the designer already has a distinct vision all of her own. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, considering Merriman’s history in fashion.

The former lifestyle blogger has been long been recognized for her impeccable sense of style, from making Vanity Fair’s International Best Dressed list to being snapped by late, legendary street style photographer Bill Cunningham.

Merriman, who grew up in rural Vietnam and moved to Dallas in 1994, has an innate sense of style that shines through in her collection. She made her design debut with Spring 2018, a crisp, edited collection of 10 all-white looks.

For Fall 2018, Merriman drew inspiration from a place especially dear to her heart: Central Park, where her family frequently visits in the autumn to enjoy the stunning foliage. Her second collection is a world away from the stark look of Spring 2018. The new season has a rich color palette of ambers, deep forest greens and burnt orange. Lush fabrics like fine wool, cashmere and silk blends, and tulle create a spectrum of textures, emphasized by interesting details like raw finishes.

“It’s what I’m thinking I’m going to wear in the Fall of 2018. I like the idea of a raw edge in the fall because it’s so rustic, it’s a very fall feeling. I add tulle, just to make it really romantic and very soft, sexy in a way. The pieces are very versatile. You can style them any way, dress them up or dress them down,” Merriman says.

There are asymmetrical hems, billowing sleeves, reversible tops and coats, padded shoulders, and yet, every piece has an unexpected ease. I have to agree with Merriman – these are things I could see myself, and many other women, wearing in Fall 2018.

Lucky for Dallas women, they’ll soon be able to shop the line at the city’s chicest boutique. Forty Five Ten is now accepting pre-orders.

Hanh Merriman Fall 2018 Collection. Photography Shayna Fontana. Stylist Carlos Alonso-Parada. Makeup Sandra Saenz. Hair Kirsten Patterson. Assistant Jasmine Lewis.