DORÉ

While we were in London, we had the very cool chance to visit Anya Hindmarch at her design studio in Battersea. The whole office was just as much fun as you might guess… stickers and laughter in every corner.

Since her iconic “Have a Nice Day” bag a few years back, I’ve been mildly obsessed with just about everything she’s created. From the beautiful bespoke handbags you can create, to the crisp packet clutch and the most recent inclusion of cheeky leather stickers to adorn her bags, adding them at your heart’s desire.

But, what we found at their offices, is that the spirit of fun runs deep – in the most serious, business savvy manner possible. There isn’t just one cool place in the former stable-turned-creative-design office – it seemed that everyone working there had a little something special to share with us. (Or perhaps hide from us, despite our naughty efforts trying to get a sneak peek into what the next season might hold… Anya held strong. We’ll have to let our imaginations go to work for a few more months… )

Anya’s office was filled with tiny mementos from the past 25(!!) years she’s been in business. Knick knacks like her waving queen figurine, awards, building models from runway shows (her shows are the most unique!), a multitude of new samples, a bar cart …. you get the gist.

So happy to share their amazingly fun and sincere environment, a mere peek into Anya’s world. As her Associate Director Matt jokes, “This company was built on cake.”

1. Why handbags? Why not something else?
My mother gave me one of her old Gucci handbags when I was 16. I remember the moment vividly, I was madly in love with it. I think that sealed the deal!

2. When you design a collection, how do you marry business considerations with creative aspirations?
Like most of my team, I’m a mother, a wife, I work and travel (like crazy at the moment!) The bag I’m carrying has to work. Amidst the humor, functionality is at the core of every bag. That, and beautiful craftsmanship.

3. How do you want someone to feel when they wear an Anya Hindmarch bag? 
Happy! Fashion should make you smile.

4. In ten years, what do you foresee for Anya Hindmarch?
I’m currently finalizing SS16, I dare not think so far ahead! For the brand, I hope we are as true to ourselves as we are now and still having such fun doing it. We live on laugher (and cake!) at AH HQ. For the woman, I would like to be eating less of said cake!

5. What are the most important things to take from a career and life in fashion, and what is best left behind?
One of my very favorite quotes is from Oscar Wilde. ‘Be yourself, everyone else is taken.’ I think it’s brilliantly on point.

Fashion should make you smile.

Amidst the humor, functionality is at the core of every bag. That, and beautiful craftsmanship.

One of my very favorite quotes is from Oscar Wilde. ‘Be yourself, everyone else is taken.’ I think it’s brilliantly on point.