Designer Interview: Hailee Hawkins Clowns Around for Ringmaster

Hailee Hawkins in custom Hailee Hawkins, photographed by Laron Van Allen-Gillbert

Hailee Hawkins, a junior studying Art Practices at CU Boulder, is no stranger to the creative process. As a kid, Hawkins was surrounded by women in her life, nurturing her creative spirit as a self-proclaimed “fashionista.” She wasn’t shy about the looks she created and has always been someone who listens to their creative spirit. 

“I think a lot of what being in college has taught me is that it’s all about following your ‘inner child.’”

Before CU, Hawkins had been enrolled in beauty school, which she would come to later find out wasn’t for her. “It felt too restricting,” she said. 

And she wasn’t as generous to her inner child as she had thought. Eventually making her way to CU, she had found her footing again, working on a creative piece for a class that involved making a dress inspired entirely by ‘natural processes.’ The rest was history, and eventually she found herself becoming a regular at weekly Roam meetings.

Hailee Hawkins in custom Hailee Hawkins, photographed by Gabi Linke

When the news of Roam’s new spring show, Ringmaster, had made its way onto the scene, Hawkins wanted to give it a shot for one particular reason: clowns. 

“I had always been interested in doing a look inspired by vintage clowns. I had an idea for a look earlier in the year and had been told to wait, and I’m glad I did.”

Hawkins had originally planned to do a look specifically for herself, but had given it a second thought and decided to take on one more look for a separate model. 

“I think the pressure of doing this for someone else and knowing that they’d be walking out in something I made was good enough motivation for me. Whereas, if it were for myself, I don’t think I’d find the same drive.” 

The biggest challenge Hawkins found herself facing was just how much time and money actually went into making pieces such as these. But even so, she was much more excited to see her creations come to life on the Ringmaster stage. 

“It’s honestly just cool being surrounded by so many creatives and seeing it all come to life. I’m really excited.” 

If you want to see more of what Hailee is up to, go follow her on Instagram for more fashion and Ringmaster updates @hailee.victoria.