Anya Hindmarch, the visionary behind the eponymous luxury accessories brand, has shaped fashion and sustainability since founding her London business in 1987. With 15 global stores, her iconic projects like 'I'm Not A Plastic Bag' and 'I Am A Plastic Bag' sparked crucial conversations about plastic use, influencing UK supermarket policies. More recently, she introduced the Universal Bag in collaboration with supermarkets and the biodegradable Return to Nature collection, cementing her commitment to eco-conscious design.
In 2021, Hindmarch expanded her creative footprint with 'the Village' on Pont Street in Chelsea, London—a community hub of shops centered around the Anya Cafe. That same year, she authored the Sunday Times bestseller If In Doubt, Wash Your Hair, sharing insights beyond fashion.
In a candid Q&A, Hindmarch reveals her personal shopping habits and preferences:
What’s the last treat you bought for yourself? "Bulbs. I have a garden project I am about to begin."
Where do you buy your food from? "I can’t cook, so left to me, we would live off Cacklebean eggs, Poilâne bread, Estate Dairy butter and earl grey tea. Foods of the Gods."
What’s the best present you’ve given? "A handwritten note and a case of full-fat Coke as a thank you after a particularly good NYE party."
… and the best present you’ve received? "A Woman At Work print by Margaret Calvert from my team for my 50th. She is the typographer behind most of the UK’s roadsigns. It hangs in my office, and I treasure it."
What’s your favourite online store? "Anderson & Sheppard – the finest pyjamas. Beautifully crafted and very British."
What’s your favourite bricks-and-mortar shop? "John Sandoe bookshop. Nowhere better."
What’s the gadget you use most often? "My Dymo label maker. I would label everything if I could. It was the start of the Labelled Collection."
What’s the purchase you regret the most? "I regret not buying Ainslie + Ainslie sleep and day powder earlier. Gamechanging."
Through these glimpses into her life, Hindmarch blends practicality with luxury, from everyday tools to cherished gifts, reflecting a designer who values both innovation and personal touch.