Anya Hindmarch Shares the Five Items that Shaped her Brand | Liberty

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The Story of Anya Hindmarch in Five Pieces

As Anya LIFE launches in Liberty, the designer shares five items that have shaped her iconic brand

By: Harriet Brown

From sophisticated leather bags and organisationally exceptional accessories to crisp packet clutches, KitKat keyrings and Branston Pickle flavoured ice cream, there’s few designers that capture the essence of Britishness quite like Anya Hindmarch.

Since she founded her eponymous brand in 1987, Anya Hindmarch has grown to become one of the most recognisable names in British luxury, capturing hearts with her uniquely playful, relentlessly approach to design. Her creations have had such impact, that one of her pieces appears in the Victoria & Albert Museum’s permanent collections.

Today, the brand has grown far beyond its origins in leather goods and accessories, with collections including personalised and organisational accessories, cafés and even food. The latest addition, Anya LIFE, sees Anya bring her trademark sense of humour to homewares, with a collection of kitchen table essentials given a sprinkle of the Anya Hindmarch magic.

As the collection launches for the first time in Liberty, we sat down with Anya Hindmarch to hear the tale of her brand first hand, through five objects, past and present, that have defined it.

Shop Anya Hindmarch

1.

Anya Brands Milk Chocolate Digestive Tassel Clutch

"That idea of re-working something familiar and elevating it in an artful way has been at the heart of what we do since the very beginning. A piece from the Anya Brands collection is now part of the permanent collection at the V&A. This clutch is beautifully made, celebrates exceptional craftsmanship…and my favourite biscuits. It’s a great conversation starter on a night out."

I Am A Plastic Bag Tote

"We created the I Am A Plastic Bag collection in a bid to reuse some of the materials already in use, following the original I Am A Not Plastic Bag. When you dig into it, the statistics are shocking – visiting a recycling centre really opens your eyes, when you throw something away, there really is no away. This collection is made from an innovative cotton-canvas made from recycled plastic bottles and coated in a material made of recycled windscreens. We always talk about ‘progress, not perfection’ and will keep innovating to find better ways to create responsibly."

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The Mortimer Cross Body

"The Mortimer family has extended for autumn to include my new favourite cross body - it’s lightweight, perfect for travel and for being hands free. Beautifully made inside and out, it is a piece that is made to last for generations."

The 72 Hour Weekend Bag

"I am an organisation nerd, it’s sad but true. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than knowing there is a place for everything, and everything is in its place. This case is like a virtual packing list for a short haul trip – there is a section for clothes to lay flat, a padded pouch for tech and zipped compartments for laundry and shoes. All of which makes me very smug when I can whizz through security."