Hannah Rochell is a fashion journalist with nearly ten years experience in the industry working at titles such as The Times, InStyle and the Evening Standard. Her personal blog, En Brogue, focus on flat shoes that are both stylish and comfortable, and she has had various illustrated shoe guides published over the years. She never wears heels and firmly believes that wearing flats should have no impact on whether or not you look stylish, so long as you choose the right shoes.
www.enbrogue.com
What do you love most about your job?
It has to be fashion week - I love travelling to cities like Milan and Paris that I now know really well, so it's lovely to have favourite shops, bars and restaurants to go back to again and again. I've been a fashion journalist for ten years now, so I have lots of friends in the industry and we get to hang out at the shows without the mundane stuff of being at home (like having to go to Sainsbury's!). And then of course, the fashion shows themselves are brilliant; I still feel really privileged to be at some of the most glamorous events in the world. Even though I have really tight deadlines to write for while I am there, it doesn't really feel like work.
Where's your favourite hangout in London?
I love my local area of South East London. We've lived here a while and there wasn't always loads to do, but Street Feast recently set up its Summer Model Market in Lewisham and I love it there. It's so great to try all the different street food on offer, and the music is always excellent. Plus I can bring the dog, and it's close enough to walk home from. Perfect!
What's top of your playlist right now?
I'm really enjoying London Grammar's new album but I have to say, I don't listen to loads of new music. My vinyl collection is growing and most played at the moment is Talking Heads Speaking in Tongues.
What's your most loved piece in your wardrobe?
This took me a VERY long time to decide on, but I'm going for my Paul Smith cashmere crombie-style coat. I've had it for years and it's been repaired a few times, but I actually look forward to Winter because it means I get to wear it again. It's reversible - grey on one side and yellow on the other - so it's two coats for the price of one! It wasn't cheap, but cost-per-wear wise, it's probably one of the best investments I've ever made.
How many pairs of shoes do you own?
PLEASE DON'T MAKE ME ANSWER THIS. It is a lot. A LOT. But before you read my answer please bear in mind that a) I am a shoe hoarder and b) I am 40 years old. I still have my first ever pair of Converse, which were a gift for my 13th birthday, and some questionable pink loafers I bought on mail order from a catalogue before the Internet even existed. Shoes have huge sentimental value for me, so I find it very hard to part with special pairs, even when they've worn out or, as in the case of the Converse, don't actually fit anymore. So - deep breath - I think it's around 100 pairs. I know, ridiculous. Luckily I have plenty of room for storage...and hopefully my feet will always be the same size, even if my body isn't!
What do your Rogues say about you?
I think my Rogues express my personality brilliantly. They show that I'm still up for a party, even though I don't wear heels. They reflect my love of colour and print (I rarely wear black and my home is very vibrant) and they stand out as the most important part of my outfit. Which is exactly what I want people to think, because I always dress from the feet up.