Anya Hindmarch's Personal Shopping Philosophy Unveiled
In an exclusive and revealing interview, celebrated luxury accessories designer Anya Hindmarch opens up about her personal shopping habits, favorite indulgences, and the everyday items she can't live without. The founder of the eponymous global brand, known for sparking environmental debates with her iconic plastic bag projects, shares intimate details that go beyond the runway.
The Designer's Daily Essentials and Treats
When it comes to personal treats, Hindmarch recently invested in garden bulbs for an upcoming project, showcasing her passion for nature beyond fashion. Her food preferences reveal a simple yet refined taste: she admits to limited cooking skills, relying instead on premium staples like Cacklebean eggs, Poilâne bread, and Estate Dairy butter paired with earl grey tea.
"Left to me, we would live off these essentials," she confesses, describing them as "Foods of the Gods." Her beverage choice might surprise some - she considers a case of full-fat Coca-Cola as one of the best gifts she's ever given, presented alongside a handwritten note after a memorable New Year's Eve celebration.
Meaningful Gifts and Cherished Possessions
The most treasured present Hindmarch has received came from her team for her 50th birthday: a limited edition "Woman At Work" print by Margaret Calvert, the renowned typographer behind most UK road signs. This feminist artwork now hangs prominently in her office, serving as daily inspiration.
Her shopping preferences blend digital and physical experiences. For online shopping, she favors Anderson & Sheppard for their "beautifully crafted and very British" sleepwear. Meanwhile, her favorite brick-and-mortar establishment is John Sandoe bookshop in Chelsea, which she declares "nowhere better."
Practical Tools and Repeat Purchases
One of Hindmarch's most-used gadgets reveals her organizational side: a Dymo label maker that she admits she would use to "label everything if I could." This practical tool actually inspired her Labelled Collection, demonstrating how everyday items can spark creative design concepts.
When it comes to repeat purchases, wine gums top her list. She humorously notes that with £20 she would buy 10 bags of Maynards wine gums, and with £200, she would purchase 100 bags. Other regular deliveries include logs for her fireplace, creating cozy indoor and outdoor settings.
Luxury Splurges and Vintage Finds
Hindmarch's biggest splurges involve ambitious family travel to destinations like Ethiopia's sunken churches in Lalibela, Socotra, Siwa, and Persepolis. "There are lots of places still on our list," she reveals, showcasing her adventurous spirit beyond the fashion world.
Her vintage collecting includes two particularly meaningful finds: a Méret Oppenheim bird leg table she has "always wanted" and a Seymour Street sign that holds personal significance as Seymour is her married name. These pieces reflect her eye for design history and personal connections.
Regrets and Home Rituals
The designer does have shopping regrets, particularly not purchasing Ainslie + Ainslie sleep and day powder earlier, which she describes as "gamechanging." At home, she maintains simple rituals, using a Bialetti moka pot for coffee because she "loves the design" and it "makes great coffee."
Hindmarch remains constantly searching for specific items, keeping an active saved search on eBay for a Richard Saja tapestry to complement one already on her wall. This ongoing hunt demonstrates her persistent passion for unique design pieces.
Through these personal revelations, Anya Hindmarch emerges not just as a fashion icon but as someone with relatable shopping habits, unexpected indulgences, and a deep appreciation for both simple pleasures and extraordinary finds.
