In the sprawling landscape of Hollywood relationships, it’s easy for individuals connected to famous families to fade into the background, defined solely by their brief proximity to stardom. But every so often, a story emerges that defies that narrative—a tale not of clinging to the limelight, but of quietly building something meaningful in its aftermath. The story of Sanne Hamers is precisely that: a narrative of resilience, reinvention, and quiet creativity.
For many, the name Sanne Hamers first surfaced in connection with Wyatt Russell, the actor and son of Hollywood royalty Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn. Their whirlwind romance and subsequent marriage placed the Dutch stylist firmly in the glare of the celebrity press. However, to view Hamers only through the lens of that relationship is to miss the point entirely. Today, Sanne Hamers is a testament to the power of forging one’s own path. She has successfully transitioned from a behind-the-scenes fashion stylist to a thriving design consultant and entrepreneur in Southern California.
This article delves deep into the life of Sanne Hamers, exploring her roots in the Netherlands, her unexpected entry into a Hollywood dynasty, her high-profile marriage and divorce from Wyatt Russell, and her remarkable evolution into a sought-after expert in interior design and organization. We will uncover how she channeled her experiences into a successful career, built a beautiful family, and established herself as a creative force in her own right, proving that sometimes, the best endings are the ones you write for yourself .
The Dutch Foundations: Early Life and Education
To understand the grounded nature of Sanne Hamers, one must first look at her beginnings in the Netherlands. Born Sanne Lotto Hamers in June 1987 (or 1990, according to some sources), she grew up in the modest and pragmatic culture of the Dutch countryside . Raised in Dronten before spending her formative years in Amsterdam, Hamers was immersed in an environment that values simplicity, functionality, and an unpretentious view of the world . This Dutch sensibility—a blend of practicality and understated aesthetics—would later become the cornerstone of her professional identity.
Her educational path was a clear indicator of her creative passions. Sanne Hamers pursued her interest in fashion by studying at the TMO (Textiel, Management, en Ondernemen) Hogeschool voor Modemanagement in Doorn. This specialized education provided her with more than just a love for clothing; it gave her a deep understanding of design principles, business management, and the importance of a cohesive aesthetic . It was here that she learned to see the world as a canvas, understanding how texture, form, and function interact—a skill that would seamlessly translate from styling outfits to designing living spaces.
After her studies, she eventually moved to Groningen, a vibrant student city in the northern part of the country. It was a typical setting for a young creative, far removed from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Little did she know that this city would be the stage for a chance encounter that would drastically alter the course of her life .
A Salsa Bar Encounter: Meeting Wyatt Russell
The story of how Sanne Hamers met Wyatt Russell sounds like the plot of a charming indie film. It was 2009, and Wyatt, having put his nascent acting career on hold, was pursuing professional ice hockey in Europe. He found himself playing as a goaltender for the Groninger Grizzlies, a team in the Dutch league . Far from the bustling studios of Los Angeles, he was just another tall, athletic guy trying to make a name for himself in a foreign country.
Their orbits crossed one night at a local salsa bar in Groningen. As Sanne Hamers later recalled, there was an immediate attraction . For Hamers, who was still a student at the time, this tall American wasn’t immediately recognizable as Hollywood royalty. In fact, the name Wyatt Russell might not have rung any bells, but his family name certainly would have . He was, after all, the son of Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn, and the half-brother of actress Kate Hudson. What began as a simple, flirtatious meeting at a dance club quickly blossomed into a serious, cross-continental romance. The Dutch stylist and the American hockey player fell “smoorverliefd”—head over heels in love .
Adjusting to Life as Hollywood Royalty
Dating the son of two of America’s most beloved actors was a far cry from the relatively private life Sanne Hamers had known in the Netherlands. After a few years of dating, the couple married on March 14, 2012, in a private ceremony . Suddenly, Hamers was thrust into a world she had only ever seen on screen. She traded the bike lanes of Amsterdam for the freeways of Los Angeles, moving with Wyatt into an upscale mobile home in Malibu that they even shared for a time with Wyatt’s half-brother, Boston Russell .
In an exclusive interview with Grazia magazine, Sanne Hamers opened up about the surreal experience of becoming a part of the Hawn-Russell dynasty. She admitted that initially, the attention was overwhelming, especially the presence of paparazzi who were often more interested in snapping Kate Hudson than the new couple . “Toen ik net een relatie had met Wyatt dacht ik continu: ‘Dit is raar’,” she confessed (“When I first started dating Wyatt, I kept thinking, ‘This is weird'”) .
However, the adjustment period didn’t last long. Sanne Hamers discovered that for all their fame, the Russell-Hawn clan were just regular people. She noted that getting to know them personally demystified their celebrity status, realizing that “everyone has their own issues and also just goes to the bathroom” . This grounded perspective, likely rooted in her Dutch upbringing, allowed her to navigate the peculiarities of her new life with grace. She adapted to the quirks of California living—the prevalence of Botox, the disinfectant wipes for shopping carts, and the doggie daycares on every corner—accepting them as the new normal .
The Professional Connection: Styling Goldie Hawn
Being part of a famous family came with undeniable professional perks, and Sanne Hamers was wise enough to leverage them without losing her sense of self. Her training as a stylist, combined with her innate eye for design, did not go unnoticed by her famous mother-in-law. Goldie Hawn, an Academy Award-winning actress with an eternally vibrant public persona, recognized a kindred creative spirit in Sanne.
Through Goldie’s connections, Sanne Hamers was able to land a coveted internship with the powerhouse celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe . This was a golden opportunity that allowed her to learn the ropes of styling A-list talent at the highest level. It was a masterclass in the intersection of high fashion and celebrity culture, and it honed the skills she would soon use in a much more personal capacity.
Soon after, Goldie Hawn asked Sanne Hamers to be her personal stylist. This was a significant vote of confidence, transforming Hamers from a stylist’s assistant into the image architect for one of Hollywood’s most beloved figures. For a time, Goldie was her only regular celebrity client . This role solidified Sanne’s place within the industry, not just as “Wyatt’s wife,” but as a talented professional in her own right. It’s worth noting that even after her marriage to Wyatt ended, reports suggest that this professional relationship with her former mother-in-law endured, a testament to the mutual respect they had built .
The Unraveling and Divorce from Wyatt Russell
Despite the fairy-tale beginning and the glamorous lifestyle, the marriage between Sanne Hamers and Wyatt Russell was not destined to last. In the world of celebrity relationships, where pressures are amplified and time is scarce, the couple began to drift apart. After nearly five years of marriage, the bond that had formed in a Groningen salsa bar began to fray.
The couple officially separated on March 2, 2015. However, the legal dissolution of their marriage was a long and drawn-out process, likely complicated by assets and the intertwining of their lives. It wasn’t until October 24, 2017, that their divorce was officially finalized . The news was surprising to many who had followed their relationship, as they had often appeared to be a stable and loving pair at red carpet events, including the 2016 premiere of Wyatt’s film Everybody Wants Some .
The divorce marked the end of a significant chapter for Sanne Hamers. She was no longer part of the famous family she had married into. She was a single woman in a foreign country, far from her Dutch support system. However, as her subsequent actions would prove, this ending was not a fall from grace, but rather a launchpad for her own independence.
A New Chapter: Reinventing a Career
In the wake of her divorce from Wyatt Russell, Sanne Hamers faced a choice: return to the familiarity of the Netherlands or carve out a new life for herself in California. Demonstrating the resilience that now defines her story, she chose the latter. But instead of clinging to the periphery of the entertainment industry as a stylist, she decided to pivot, drawing upon a passion that had always been present but perhaps under-explored: interior design and organization.
This was not just a job change; it was a complete professional reinvention. Sanne Hamers channelled her Dutch design sensibilities—characterized by clean lines, functional minimalism, and a “waste not, want not” attitude—into a new career path. She understood the value of space, a lesson ingrained in her from growing up in the Netherlands, where maximizing every square inch is a necessity . This philosophy would become the bedrock of her new professional identity.
She soon found her footing as a Design Consultant for California Closets, a prestigious company known for its high-end, custom storage solutions . In this role, Sanne Hamers wasn’t just selling shelves and cabinets; she was selling a lifestyle. She was helping clients “design a custom solution that will optimize any space in your home,” from luxurious walk-in closets and sleek home offices to highly functional pantries and garages . Her portfolio, filled with before-and-after transformations, showcased a keen eye for blending aesthetics with hardworking functionality. Client testimonials praised her ability to create built-in pieces that looked like they had always been part of the home, perfectly matching the existing style while providing exactly the storage needed .
The Philosophy of an Organization Expert
What sets Sanne Hamers apart in the world of interior design is her deeply personal and almost therapeutic approach to organization. It’s not just about tidying up; it’s about creating a foundation for a calmer, more focused life. Her professional bio perfectly encapsulates this ethos: “I believe that starting your day in an organized space reduces stress and allows you to focus on what matters most” .
This quote is the heart of the Sanne Hamers brand. She positions herself as an “organization/Pinterest expert,” someone who obsesses over the “littlest things” to create harmony in a home . Her design philosophy is holistic. She considers how a space functions at the start and end of every day, understanding that a chaotic closet can lead to a chaotic mindset. For clients with “very full lives,” she offers a path to simplicity, ensuring that style and aesthetics are never sacrificed for functionality .
| Aspect of Design | Sanne Hamers’ Philosophy in Action |
|---|---|
| Living Spaces | Creating sleek, modern media centers that are both functional and visually light, elevating the living room’s aesthetic. |
| Closets | Transforming master bedrooms with custom wardrobes that look like built-in furniture, adding value and style to the home. |
| Pantry | Upgrading standard pantries with custom storage to make food accessible and meal prep less stressful. |
| Home Office | Designing modern workspaces with smart storage (doors and drawers) to minimize clutter and maximize focus. |
| Garage | Organizing tools and equipment with custom solutions, turning a chaotic space into an orderly extension of the home. |
Atelier Preserve: The Entrepreneurial Leap
While her work at California Closets solidified her reputation as a design consultant, Sanne Hamers had an even more ambitious vision: to create and sell her own designs. This entrepreneurial spirit led to the founding of Atelier Preserve, a venture that represents the pinnacle of her creative journey so far . Atelier Preserve is not just a brand; it is a pure expression of Sanne’s artistic identity.
Based out of her workshop in the coastal community of La Jolla, Atelier Preserve is where Sanne Hamers merges traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. She specializes in bespoke creations that are designed, 3D printed, and hand-finished by her own hands. As she proudly states in her Instagram bio, every single item is made by her in her workshop, ensuring a level of quality and personal attention that is rare in today’s mass-produced world .
This move from stylist to design consultant to founder and maker is a powerful narrative. Sanne Hamers has complete creative control, from the initial digital rendering to the final hand-applied finish. It allows her to cater to a clientele that values uniqueness and the story behind an object. Atelier Preserve is the ultimate manifestation of her journey—a testament to the fact that she is not just someone who curates the beauty of others, but a genuine creator in her own right.
A New Love and Growing Family
Parallel to her professional renaissance, Sanne Hamers also found personal happiness again. After her divorce from Wyatt Russell, she embarked on a new relationship with a man named Joe Young . While the couple tends to keep their relationship relatively private, glimpses into their life together on social media reveal a deep and loving partnership.
The couple has built a beautiful, blended life in San Diego. In March 2021, Sanne Hamers and Joe Young welcomed their first child together, a son they named Skipper Cassin Young . Sanne’s joy in motherhood is palpable. In a heartwarming Instagram post reflecting on the year, she wrote, “Best thing of 2021 was watching little Skippy grow from a tiny baby into a little man!” . The couple also shares their home with their two dogs, Splinter and Wade, completing a picture of a happy, bustling household .
This new chapter stands in stark contrast to the Hollywood drama of her past. It is a life built on private joys, creative fulfillment, and family. The story of Sanne Hamers today is one of a woman who has found her footing, not despite her past, but informed by it. She has successfully created a stable, loving environment for her son, all while continuing to build her professional empire—a true testament to her resilience and capacity for growth.
Life Today: Where is Sanne Hamers Now?
So, where is Sanne Hamers now? She is thriving. Living in the sunny enclave of La Jolla, California, she balances her roles as a mother, partner, and entrepreneur with apparent grace . Her days are likely a dynamic mix of client consultations for California Closets, creative brainstorming and hands-on production for Atelier Preserve, and quality time with her young son, Skipper, and her partner, Joe.
Her ex-husband, Wyatt Russell, has also moved on, marrying actress Meredith Hagner in 2019 and starting a family of his own . In a classic example of Hollywood’s small world, both Sanne Hamers and Wyatt have found happiness with new partners, proving that sometimes a relationship ending is the necessary precursor to both individuals finding where they truly belong. Sanne’s journey from a small city in the Netherlands to the heart of Hollywood, and then to a self-made life as a California creative, is nothing short of remarkable.
Conclusion
The narrative of Sanne Hamers is a powerful reminder that a person is never just a supporting character in someone else’s story. For years, the media framed her as the wife of Wyatt Russell, a footnote in the larger saga of the Hawn-Russell dynasty. But as her life post-divorce has so clearly demonstrated, Sanne Hamers is the author of her own compelling narrative.
From her foundational years studying fashion in the Netherlands to navigating the surreal landscape of Hollywood royalty, every experience has contributed to her unique perspective. She took the lessons learned—the importance of adaptability, the value of genuine human connection over superficial fame, and an unshakable belief in her own creative vision—and channeled them into a flourishing career. As a design consultant, she helps others find peace in organization. As the founder of Atelier Preserve, she creates tangible beauty with her own hands. As a mother and partner, she has built the stable, loving family life she deserves.
The story of Sanne Hamers is not just about surviving a divorce from a celebrity; it is about the courage to reinvent oneself, the wisdom to leverage past experiences without being defined by them, and the quiet determination to build a life of substance and creativity on one’s own terms. She is an inspiration, proving that sometimes, the most rewarding path is the one you pave yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sanne Hamers
Who is Sanne Hamers?
Sanne Hamers is a Dutch fashion stylist, interior design consultant, and entrepreneur. She is the founder of Atelier Preserve, a design brand, and works as a design consultant for California Closets. She gained public attention through her former marriage to actor Wyatt Russell, the son of Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn .
How did Sanne Hamers meet Wyatt Russell?
Sanne Hamers met Wyatt Russell in 2009 in Groningen, Netherlands. At the time, Wyatt was playing professional ice hockey for the Groninger Grizzlies. They met at a local salsa bar and quickly began a relationship .
When were Sanne Hamers and Wyatt Russell married, and when did they divorce?
Sanne Hamers and Wyatt Russell were married on March 14, 2012. They separated in March 2015, and their divorce was finalized on October 24, 2017 .
What is Atelier Preserve?
Atelier Preserve is the entrepreneurial venture of Sanne Hamers. It is a design brand where she creates bespoke items using 3D printing and hand-finishing techniques. She makes each piece herself in her workshop in La Jolla, California .
Does Sanne Hamers have children?
Yes, Sanne Hamers has a son named Skipper Cassin Young, born in March 2021, with her current partner, Joe Young. She did not have children during her marriage to Wyatt Russell .
What is Sanne Hamers’s profession?
Sanne Hamers has a multifaceted career. She is a design consultant for California Closets, specializing in custom home organization. She is also the owner and creator of Atelier Preserve, where she designs and makes home goods and art pieces .
What is Sanne Hamers’s connection to Goldie Hawn?
Goldie Hawn is her former mother-in-law. During her marriage to Wyatt Russell, Sanne Hamers became Goldie Hawn’s personal stylist, a role she maintained even after the divorce for some time. Goldie also helped her secure an internship with stylist Rachel Zoe .
Where does Sanne Hamers live now?
Sanne Hamers currently resides in La Jolla, a beautiful coastal community in San Diego, California. She lives there with her partner Joe Young and their son .
