Anya Hindmarch: A Journey Through Travel and Design

Fashion designer Anya Hindmarch, known for her inventive accessories, sees travel as an essential part of her creative process. It’s not just about reaching a destination; it’s about the experiences that shape her work and life. From the moment she steps onto a plane, Hindmarch is deeply engaged with the journey, even going so far as to touch the aircraft for good luck before boarding.

Her passion for travel is reflected in her latest venture: Anya Travel, a permanent collection and standalone store located on Pont Street in London. This new space showcases her dedication to travel organization, featuring everything from recycled-nylon luggage to eye masks and passport covers. The store’s design draws inspiration from airports and train stations, complete with plush waiting-area carpets and molded plastic seating, creating an atmosphere that celebrates the essence of travel.

“Travel in all its forms can be exhausting,” Hindmarch admits, “but there’s something liberating about being in transit. It’s a time when I allow myself to follow my heart.” Her fascination with travel extends beyond mere logistics; it’s about immersing herself in different cultures, histories, and cuisines. Early memories of visiting Marrakech at five years old are vivid in her mind, filled with the sights and sounds that ignited her wanderlust.

In an interview series titled 'In Transit', Hindmarch elaborates on how travel influences her life and work. She expresses a love for discovering new places and experiences, sharing, “I could happily watch the flight map for an entire 14-hour journey.” Each trip adds to her collection of memories and stories, often transforming her wardrobe with unique finds from around the globe.

Among her travel rituals, Hindmarch brings along a diary, which she writes in daily, and a selection of shoes—perhaps too many, as she humorously admits. Her go-to travel piece is a longyi from Myanmar, versatile enough to serve as a skirt, towel, or cover-up. It’s a reflection of her approach to travel: functional yet stylish.

Hindmarch’s philosophy of travel is deeply rooted in the experiences she gathers along the way. She recalls her most impactful encounters, including a guide in the Galápagos Islands, and brings home treasures like sand from the beach in the Philippines where her husband proposed. “It’s impossible to choose the best thing I’ve brought back,” she reflects, emphasizing the value of each memento.

Japan stands out as a place that has profoundly influenced her, particularly its emphasis on manners and quality. She cherishes the sensory memories of places—how they look, feel, and smell—underlining the importance of being present in the moment rather than solely capturing it through photographs.

For Hindmarch, travel is a blend of adventure and organization, where every item has its place, much like her designs. In her world, the journey is just as significant as the destination, a philosophy she embodies in both her life and her creations.

Source: www.wallpaper.com