I was born in Pretoria, South Africa, in 1980, and some of my fondest early memories are of holidays spent on my grandparents’ farm in Namibia. My mother and grandmother taught me needlework and sewing, always encouraging me to stay busy. I usually spent that time drawing or poring over the fashion designs in my grandmother’s Burda magazines—she was truly my first style icon.

As a teen in post-apartheid South Africa during the ‘90s, I was able to soak up an abundance of subcultures and creative freedom from around the world. Inspired by art, film, photography, music, and fashion, I indulged in all forms of creative expression. I eagerly matriculated in 1997 and went on to study Fine Arts in Pretoria. Seeking to broaden my horizons, I later moved to Cape Town to study Art Direction and Graphic Design.

I spent seven years working for top advertising agencies in Cape Town, but I always kept a side hustle knitting toys and objects. My career shifted in 2010 when Elle Decoration SA asked me to style an editorial featuring my knitting; I was soon hired as their décor editor. By 2012, I transitioned into full-time freelance work as a stylist, costume designer, and set designer. Over the years, I’ve built a diverse international client base—including H&M Kids, Lincoln Motors, GANT, and Björn Borg—and have had my work featured in publications like Photo Vogue and Hunger Magazine. 

When the pandemic hit in 2020, my career came full circle. International clients like L’Occitane and Mini Boden couldn’t travel, so they asked me to art direct for them remotely. This also opened the door for me to step up as a commercial director—a role I took to naturally. I have over 200 shoots under my belt; my years of experience and leadership skills are an asset to any set.

I’m passionate about the collaborative process and have a sharp eye for detail and a sophisticated sense of style, which helps me make quick, confident decisions on set. I have a comprehensive understanding of aesthetic genres; I know which elements to use, and to what extent, to achieve a specific look. I’m a firm believer that thorough preparation is the secret to a successful shoot. Nothing makes me happier than working hard, sharing a few laughs with my team, and watching everything come together perfectly in the end.

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I still love the desert.

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CONTACT email: anna.verloren@gmail.com, mobile: +27 (0)72 797 2103

VIDEO CARTEL email: kelly@thevideocartel.tv