Journeys of Discovery:
About This Episode
In this episode of Change Makers, Michael Hayman is joined by designer and author Anya Hindmarch. A defining voice in British fashion, Anya brings a lifelong love of music to her creative life.
Recorded at Cadogan Hall in collaboration with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Anya reflects on starting her business at 19, the craftsmanship and curiosity that drive her, and why self-doubt can be a surprising source of strength.
Dame Anya Hindmarch, designer, entrepreneur and author
Dame Anya Hindmarch is one of the world’s foremost accessories designers thanks to her eponymous label, Anya Hindmarch.
At 18, Hindmarch went to Florence to study Italian and she founded her business in London in 1987, quickly accruing a loyal following. It was originally her Italian-inspired drawstring duffle bag that attracted attentions; since, she has enjoyed commercial success with hits including her “Be a Bag” line, her £5 “I’m not a plastic bag” tote, and most recently her Bespoke range, which includes a line of luxury leather stickers that generated over $18 million within the first two seasons.
A passionate advocate of British design and arts, Anya is a trustee of the Tate, trustee of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and an Emeritus trustee of both the Royal Academy of Arts and the Design Museum. From September 2023 until August 2024, she was an advisor to The Board of Trade.
In 2024, Anya Hindmarch was awarded a damehood in the Kings Birthday Honours, for her services to fashion and business, following her 2017 CBE. She and her brand have received several notable industry awards including a British Fashion Award, and a Marie Claire sustainability award. In 2021, Anya published her first book, the Sunday Times bestseller ‘If In Doubt Wash Your Hair’.