An office can tell you a lot about a creator, and we were charmed by Johanna Johnson’s bridal studio and her line of embellished, hand-beaded silk gowns at WeWork Soho West.
We had the pleasure of meeting Maggie Hansdorfer, the U.S. brand manager of the Australian design company. She previously worked in finance with the namesake designer’s sister back in Australia. Once Maggie met Johanna through an introduction, their friendship quickly blossomed. And when an opportunity arose to open Johanna Johnson’s first American location, Maggie promptly quit her finance job and jumped on the chance to launch the studio in New York City.
“The rest is history,” recalls Maggie, who is also a beloved fan of the bridal collection and recently wore one of the dresses to her own wedding.
We chatted with Maggie as part of The Desktop — a series that highlights interesting (and always inviting) offices at WeWork. Maggie shares where she draws inspiration from inside these glass walls.
“It’s extremely important to create a work environment that inspires you creatively. We are at our office a lot so we need to be comfortable and proud of where we work. I’m happy to be here, especially when we stay late due to the different time zones.”
“I would say our decor is elegant and chic, but feels comfortable. We use a lot of neutrals, and we love Restoration Hardware. We still maintain some of the decadence of the Old World that you would typically find in our designs.”
“Johanna takes her inspiration from a bygone time and creates her pieces using luxury fabrics and finishes of yesteryear. Embellished hand beaded designs, panelled silk gowns, detailed French laces, and reflective, metallic silhouettes.”
“Every gown is approached with artisan techniques and finishes. Every look is treated as its own homage to luxury dressing, and the tradition of dressing on ceremony. Although her inspiration has been taken from the 1920’s and 30’s, all of Johanna’s designs are effortlessly wearable and very now.”
“My schedule varies every day. As a brand manager, I’m in charge of various aspects of the business, including business development, styling, PR, Advertising, and staffing, so every day is very different. Usually I come in at 10 a.m. and go through emails and my “list” of to dos, attend meetings, and then when it’s 9 a.m. Sydney time, I spend about an hour on the phone with Australia going through various items.”
“I am very visual and old school with lists. It may look chaotic to others, but I have a system that works for me. Lo, whom I work with, is an Excel spreadsheets girl while I always write on paper. There is a method to my madness though.”
“I always have fresh flowers in several vases throughout the office. I think it makes for a nice atmosphere to work in and it’s a nice touch for clients when they come to the studio. Yes, they usually are white hydrangeas.”
“Johanna designs all our stunning accessories literally bead by bead. She takes inspiration from the 1920’s and 30’s but adds a modern twist so the pieces feel ‘now’.”
“You can wear our designs on your wedding day, but they also look right at home with a t-shirt and jeans. That’s the beauty of our pieces they are so versatile. Johanna likes to think she is creating heirloom pieces for the future.”
”All of our clients are amazing. I’m not just saying that, but it’s true. We are so lucky to have the kindest and most fashionable clients. I often get calls and texts from clients later asking to grab coffee or a drink!”
“My favorite dress would have to be the one I wore two weeks ago to my wedding. It’s a combination of two gowns – the Hendricks and the Elliot from a few seasons ago. It was a custom piece Johanna designed for me. It was the most insane gown ever and I love it so much. All of our gowns are just so special, but this one for obvious reasons is the most special to me.”
Photographs by Lauren Kallen