Anya Hindmarch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Anya Hindmarch
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Hindmarch in London, in 2023
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| Born |
Anya Susannah Hindmarch
7 May 1968 Maldon, Essex, England
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| Occupation | Founder & CEO, Anya Hindmarch |
| Spouse(s) |
James Seymour
(m. 1996) |
| Children | 2 + 3 stepchildren |
| Awards | Brand of the Year, Accessory Designer British Fashion Awards |
Dame Anya Susannah Hindmarch is a famous English designer. She creates cool fashion accessories like bags. She also started her own company and is its boss.
Anya wrote a book called If In Doubt Wash Your Hair. It was very popular and became a bestseller in 2021.
Besides her fashion work, Anya helps many important organizations. She's a trustee for places like the Royal Academy of Arts and the Design Museum. She also supports The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. In 2019, she became an ambassador for Greenpeace, helping the environment. She also joined the Tate as a trustee in 2022.
Contents
Early Life and Inspiration
Anya Hindmarch was born on May 7, 1968. Her dad owned a plastics company. She went to New Hall School in Essex.
In 1986, when she was 18, Anya went to Florence, Italy. She studied Italian there for a year. While in Italy, she saw many stylish women carrying a special drawstring leather bag. This bag gave her an idea for her own business.
Starting a Fashion Business
Anya launched her fashion brand in 1987. She was only 19 years old! Even though the UK economy was having a tough time, she was inspired by new business ideas.
She borrowed some money to bring 500 bags from Italy to England. She sold all of them through a fashion magazine called Harpers and Queen.
Growing the Brand
At first, her bags were made in Italy. But when the factory started selling her designs to other stores, Anya decided to make her bags in Hackney, England. By 1992, her bags were sold in fancy stores around the world. You could find them in London, New York, Japan, France, and Italy.
In 1993, she opened her first small shop in London. From the very beginning, Anya focused on using high-quality materials. She also made sure her bags were well-made. Her design style is known for being "British, humorous, and personalised."
Special Projects and Ideas
Anya Hindmarch is known for her creative projects. She often uses her designs to help good causes.
Be A Bag
In 2001, Anya started her "Be A Bag" line. This service let customers put their own photo on a bag. It first helped a breast cancer awareness group. Later, it supported other charities too.
I'm NOT A Plastic Bag
In 2007, Anya launched a special tote bag. It had the words "I'm NOT A Plastic bag" on it. This bag helped make it cool to stop using plastic bags. The canvas bags sold for just £5. They were even given to celebrities at the "Oscars" awards!
Collaborations and Shops
In 2008, Anya worked with the US store Target. She designed a special collection of handbags for them. She also teamed up with Selfridges to create Christmas gift baskets.
In 2009, her company opened a special workshop in London. Here, customers could get custom-made bags. By this time, her company's main office was in Battersea.
In 2013, Anya Hindmarch opened a big store in New York City. It sold both her regular bags and custom-made ones.
In 2021, Anya launched "The Village" in London. It's a group of four permanent shops, a cafe, and a space for fun pop-up events. These events include the Ice Cream Project in summer and Anya's Grotto at Christmas.
Business Success
In 2006, other investors joined Anya's company. It was valued at $38 million. By 2009, she had 51 stores all over the world. Her company's sales were estimated at £20 million. In 2020, Anya took back more ownership of her company. She returned to lead it and help it grow even more.
Awards and Recognition
Anya Hindmarch has won many awards for her work.
- 2006 and 2007: Glamour magazine Designer of the Year
- 2007: Designer Brand of the Year at the British Fashion Awards
- 2009: Became a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her work in British fashion
- 2012: Veuve Cliquot Businesswoman of the Year
- 2014: British Fashion Award for Accessory Designer
- 2016: Elle magazine Accessories Designer of the Year
- 2017: Became a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her services to fashion
- 2024: Awarded a Damehood in the King's Birthday Honours
- 2024: Won Best Luxury Brand at the Marie Claire Sustainability Awards
Personal Life
In 1996, Anya married James Seymour. James had three children from a previous marriage. He later joined Anya's company as its finance director. Anya and James then had two children together.
