Q: What does Pop-In@Nordstrom model Hanne Gaby Odiele wear to report for duty at the Alexander Wang show?

A: A couple of the raddest pieces from our just-opened Pop-In@Nordstrom x Alexander Wang shop, of course.

Hanne in Alexander Wang's pierced wool and angora blend rugby with the Lyndon boot (Girls tights coming soon!)
All images by Michael Yuri Chard

We caught up with the Belgium-born model on Saturday afternoon at her agency, where we traded a few questions and answers before she headed to Manhattan's Pier 54 for tonight's big show.

THE THREAD: What is it about your personal vibe that makes you such a quintessential Wang girl?

Alex's collections are so unexpected, and I think my style is the same. You can wear his clothes so many different ways-it can be a daytime look that you can wear to work, and then later just head out for some nightlife. I like to keep it easy like that too.

How did you get started modeling, and when did you first walk in one of Alex's shows?

I was scouted at a music festival back home, and then my first show with him was in 2007 or 2008? I was just 16 or something, and I don't think I've missed one since. We've sort of grown up together in this business.

That's so sweet; what changes have you seen in him, and in yourself?

Well, I'm sure our styles have changed over the years, but really it's the changes in how we work, I would say. There were times back then when Alex did my hair and makeup for shoots and shows! And now we work with the best people-the stylist Karl Templer, Guido for hair, Diane Kendal for makeup.

Where do you live these days?

Williamsburg! I've been there for 11 years, I consider it my home, but I do miss Belgium. I miss the food there....

Wait, what is Belgian cuisine all about?

Fries, stews, mussels ...

That sounds amazing but not on a day like today-way too hot. So what do you think you'll be thinking about as the music starts and you're waiting to take your first walk on the runway?

I usually feel the vibe of the music and the vibe of the clothes and just sort of go with it. But sometimes all I'm thinking is, "Don't fall, don't fall, don't fall."

YOU ARE HERE: keep up with all our Fashion Week coverage and shop curated collections of our favorite designers at Nordstrom's Fashion Week Central.

-Laura Cassidy