Anya Hindmarch

Born in Essex in 1968 to a self-made man, she was educated New Hall School, a Roman Catholic convent in Chelmsford. Aged 16 Hindmarch was given an old Gucci handbag by her mother. At that point planning to attend University, but the bag made her feel so good, instead of going to University aged 18 she went to Florence to study Italian.

Known for her classic leather accessories, English fashion designer Anya Hindmarch made headlines for her eco-friendly canvas tote, “I’m Not A Plastic Bag.” Getting her start at the age of nineteen while living in Florence, Hindmarch recognized what women needed in a handbag, noticing that a drawstring leather duffel bag was all the rage among fashionable women. Hindmarch borrowed $1,000 to import some bags to England. After sending it to fashion magazine Harpers and Queen from an introduction made by a friend, as a result of their article she sold 500.

After learning to produce her own bags in Hackney, inspired by Margaret Thatcher Hindmarch opened a small shop in Walton Street, London aged 19, with her early products based heavily on Italian design principles.

Along with her three collections each year, Hindmarch also designs shoes, luggage, small leather goods, a small range of ready-to-wear, and a beach collection. Along with the line Blue Label, made up of photographic print bags and washbags, Hindmarch also partnered with Target, launching a limited edition, affordable handbag collection. Hindmarch was awarded by Glamour magazine as Designer of the Year in both 2006 and 2007, and the British Fashion Awards presented her with the Designer Brand of the Year award in 2007.