There are those people who make ‘it’ look easy; those who plate spin like nobody’s business. A mother of five with a thriving global business, Anya Hindmarch is one such woman.
A mainstay on the London fashion circuit since its inception (the designer is recognised as the first to hold an on-schedule London Fashion Week show), her collections that have earned her the badge of ‘the world’s best bag lady’ by CNN Anchor Christiane Amanpour in our #WomancrushWednesday, are a celebration of craftsmanship and creativity galore. Remember the ‘Kellogs’ bag from AW14 or maybe the thigh-high ‘Boots’ 'and 'Ready Salted Crisp Packet' bag from SS16?
As of February 2018, however, Anya joined a wave of designers abandoning the traditional format (as the question of future show formats linger in the air) to showcase her creations via innovative events. Taking up residency at fashion's favourite carpark on Brewer Street, the past two seasons Anya has invited us to engage in experiential installations, like the Chubby Cloud and The Postbox Maze. A creative entrepreneur, she never fails to surprise us.
What's the mantra you tell yourself first thing in the morning?
No excuses... just put on those trainers!
How do you take your coffee?
Builders tea for me.
If you weren't doing what you're doing now, what would you be doing instead?
When I was younger, I dreamed of being an opera singer – I still do actually.
If you could only keep one outfit in your wardrobe, which would it be?
At the moment I am very attached to wearing the Postbox bag in natural watersnake (printed not real) trimmed with Navy blue French goatskin, which we just launched this year. It’s a chic bag ideal for formal occasions, but I also love to wear it cross-body with a pair of jeans. It sort of pulls everything together.
Who's one person you'd love to have dinner with?
Winston Churchill. I have a huge portrait of him in my kitchen so I actually do, every night.
What's the main thing you would like to achieve this year?
Umm.. half a stone but that is the same every year. No, in reality, I think this year is the year that we will all bake sustainability into the foundations of our businesses. It is a journey and it needs to be ‘urgent but gentle’ so as not to unbalance everything but it is in sight and it is exciting. It was back in 2007 that we made a public stand against plastic with ‘I am not a Plastic Bag’ and it is encouraging finally to see real progress and an urgent momentum taking hold.
Who would you want to record your audio autobiography, voice-wise?
Cate Blanchette every day. Or maybe Judi Dench (total girl crush), or Penelope Keith as Margot?
Why did you end up doing what you do?
Because I am fascinated by leathercraft, and craftsmen and women. I still get so excited when, after all the love and care that is poured into designing, engineering and making something, it is wrapped and handed over to a customer. I have that ‘proud Mother’ smile. Like one of my babies is going to a good new home.
Shop Anya Hindmarsh: anyahindmarch.com
More 8Qs:
+ Manolo Blahnik: "Keep going, keep going, keep going!"
+ Eudon Choi: "I am a big fan of the Great British Bake Off"
+ Osman Yousefzada: "Elizabeth I of England was a ballsy woman"
