Few may recognise the works of Anya Hindmarch, but we appreciate her offbeat approach to traditional English sensibilities so much that we think it’s time for her to shine a little. Anya, who emerged into the ready-to-wear scene in 2013, started out designing tongue-in-cheek handbags which quickly climbed its way into the wish-lists of many. We’ve seen this designer work magic over the past couple of years, from spinning teacups on the runway to bringing the entire show inside the mechanics of a kaleidoscope. We can’t be more sure that Anya is definitely the designer to be looking out for, and we’re taking you through her world of quirky runway antics.
S/S 2015
And of course, the bags were the main focus of attention here. Models donned sterile white jumpsuits as Hindmarch’s handbags and accessories stole the show. We’re taken back into the days where we used to put stickers on everything – and by this, we really mean everything. Our notebooks, walls, wallets… The list can really go on. But Hindmarch outdone us with this collection, customising her leather bags with adorable graphic work resembling stickers. We seem to spot the phrase Bags have feelings too on multiple designs (if that were true, we’re sure ours would be upset by all the junk we throw in there). The comical nature of Hindmarch’s shows sure do speak to us!
F/W 2015
This collection seemed to have marked the start of Hindmarch’s venture into the world of ready-to-wear, but that doesn’t remotely take the slightest bit of attention away from the show-stopping bags once again. The collection entitled “Diversion” took its inspiration from all things traffic; signages that mark our motorways and transport. Leather bags were stamped with “No U-Turn” and “No Delivery”. Ironically, the bags did deliver – with its quirky smiley face patch-ons which are a classic favourite, and the playful Man-At-Work signage. We’ve never seen eccentric designs look this good on bags.
S/S 2016
Okay, so as if having the runway transformed into a prismatic mirror-filled kaleidoscope wasn’t enough, Anya Hindmarch took to the British high-street retailers for inspiration in this collection. The all-familiar logos from Mothercare, WHSmith’s and Boots ( which, of course, were literally on boots) were plastered all over this season’s collection in a tessellated fashion. The geometric shapes and motifs serve as an embodiment of repetition and patterns. Ah, Hindmarch sure knows how to poke fun at the nostalgic heart doesn’t she?
F/W 2016
80s’ retro gamers, heads up! Hindmarch’s most recent collection is sure to get you on the edge of your seats. Coats and (needless to say) handbags adorn pixellated arcade characters such as the beloved Pac-Man and Space Invaders. We love the digitalised print of our favourite game tropes on these bags. Do we really need these adorable totes? Totes.
All images from vogue.com.
