Interview: Hannah Widmer & Curt Kligora

In this exclusive, fashion duo Hannah Widmer and Curt Kligora share the story behind their remarkable bond, mutual love for horses, and exciting joint projects.

Mayfair Magazine: Hello Hannah and Curt, welcome to MayFair, and your joint photo shoot is incredible. Tell us about your friendship and how you met?

Hannah: We met through one of our favorite things: horses. We started talking and clicked immediately, after too many lemontinis and countless laughs, we realized how similar we are and always say that we were separated at birth. It’s rare to find someone that you connect and have so much in common with. I adore Curt and I’m so grateful for the friendship that we share.

Curt: I met Hannah through our mutual love for horses and competing on the same show circuit. I don’t recall a first formal introduction. However, I do recall the first time I saw Hannah showing a horse. Her horse was beautiful and so was Hannah. I noticed her outfit she was showing in and that caught my attention. After that, I believe I told myself that I had to meet this girl. Anyone that has the same taste in fashion as me, has to be someone I need to know. After that, our friendship blossomed when Hannah moved her beautiful black horse to my horse stable. We hit it off from day one. In another life we were probably twins. Our interest and thoughts are eerie similar. We laugh at things that nobody else probably would, but it makes sense to us. We also strive for  the same goals and pursue our dreams differently, yet the same if that makes sense. I am blessed to have Hannah in my life.

M: Do you have common interests in modeling, let’s start with Hannah. Tell us which projects this year have been the most memorable for you?

H: This Mayfair Magazine shoot with Curt is definitely one of the most memorable. It was a very laid back and fun shoot that I got to do with a great friend. Earlier in the year I worked with GQ, this was such an amazing experience, and the product was really special. I also did two covers of L’Officiel for their special anniversary edition. I loved being a part of this special cover, it was a monumental moment in my career.

M: Hannah, have you recently taken part in a show as a model, tell us about this experience.

H: Yes, I was honored to be a special guest walking the runway at the BLOSSOM couture fashion show in Chicago to benefit the Wing’s program. Wing’s provides critical services to domestic violence and abuse survivors. It was hosted by Nigel Barker and produced by Zzazz Productions.

M: Curt, tell us about your modeling projects?

C: I started modeling when I was 15 and started my career in London. Upon returning to the US I took time to earn a couple of degrees and focused on my professional career and starting my own business. Hannah was aware of my desire to return to world of fashion, but I always found an excuse not to. She has been instrumental in my return to modeling and for that I will always be eternally grateful for the push and support she has provided!

M: Is this your first joint fashion project with Hannah?

C: Yes, this is my first of hopefully many fashion projects with Hannah. Could not have had a better experience if I designed it. The level of professionalism and kindness her team has shown me is inspirational.

M: Another of your shared hobbies is horse riding. Hannah, Curt, tell us how you got into this, how long have you been doing it?

H: I’ve been riding for about 8 years, so I am somewhat new to riding and showing horses. In this short time, I’ve come to realize how much horses mean to me and couldn’t imagine my life without them. It is a true passion of mine, and something that I hope I am able to continue to do throughout my whole life. Riding, showing and owning a horse has been one of the greatest privileges of my life and I am eternally grateful to be able to share this experience with Curt.

C: What started out as a hobby for me as a young adult had turned into a dream of owning and operating my own stable with my partner. There is nothing more relaxing than spending time with a horse and throwing your leg over the saddle.

M: What exercises do you find the most difficult in equestrian sports?

H: For me, the most difficult aspect of horse riding in terms of exercise is being able to keep up with the horse (and stay ahead) and having the core strength to do so. I’ve come to learn that being strong in my body is the key to riding any horse and making the most out of the ride. I’ve had to do some strengthening exercises, and yoga to strengthen that part of myself. As well as add in bareback lessons and really just try to sit on the back of the horse as much as I can. Practice is very important for me.

C: I am a gym rat. I don’t find any exercises to be difficult. However, riding required mental toughness along with a little strategy. I find it challenging at times to put my horse in the best possible position and make the necessary adjustments to give us a chance to win. I will admit practicing on a bareback pad on a lung line will make my legs scream for a couple of days.

M: Tell us about the horse breeds that you like the most?

H: My favorite breed of horse would be the American Saddlebred. There is nothing quite like the thrill of sitting on such an elegant animal and feeling their weight beneath you as you enter the show ring. This breed is really known for its beauty and its high stepping action. They are the “peacock of the show ring”. One of my most favorite aspects of a Saddlebred is their unique personality, and this makes it even more fun to get to know a horse and their little quirks.

C: I love all breeds of horses. However, I am partial to the breed that Hannah and I show. The American Saddlebred is our choice of breed and is the “peacock “ of the horse world, which suits our personalities perfectly. Absolutely love the beauty, intelligence, grace and athleticism of the breed!

M: Do you attend popular equestrian championships, if so, which ones do you like the most?

H: Yes, I attend equestrian championships. My favorite horse show would definitely be the World Championship Horse Show in Louisville KY. There is nothing quite like it. The competition is fierce, and the energy is palpable. Whether I’m showing or simply watching it, it is such an enjoyable experience.

C: All shows whether local or national have championship classes. However, once a year there is a World Championship show held in Louisville Kentucky, where the best of the best compete against one another to hopefully be crowned a World Championship. It’s our version of the Super Bowl. Nothing can match the electricity and anticipation of riding on the green shavings at the biggest show of the year.

M: What is your main secret of strong friendships?

H: For me, the best friendships are based on love, trust and understanding (like any good relationship) and without that you have no foundation. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to engage in long conversations every day, but more so knowing that person is there for you, and they get you. The type of friendship that I have with Curt is very difficult to find, someone that listens freely without judgement. I find that people are so quick to have an answer to a problem, when all anyone really wants is someone to listen with an open mind and heart.

C: The secret of having a strong relationship is keeping secrets in the vault. Having someone to share and support you during the challenging times in a non-judgmental zone is what I value so much about Hannah and my relationship. I know that whatever I share with her, stays with her and I’ll always get honesty, but still with all the love and support that I need. I strive to be the best version and myself and I believe having the kind of relationship we have built makes me be the best version of myself!

Credits:

Models: Hannah Widmer @hannah.r.widmer and Curt Kligora

@curtkligora

PR Agency: Firebird PR Agency @firebirdpragency

White dress: Free People @freepeople

White Suit: Marco Milanco

Brown Suit: Custom Not Sure

Pink Dress: Cynthia Rowley @cynthiarowley

Black Suit: Lineage

Cheetah dress: Free People @freepeople

All Jewelry: Free People @freepeople

Photo: Lori Saprio @lori_sapio_photographer

Retouch: Dasha @da.retouch

Location: Chicago