Anya Hindmarch on Craft, Wit and the Magic of Making Memories

Designer Anya Hindmarch is heading to Edinburgh later this month

Playful, clever and unmistakably British, Anya Hindmarch has spent decades redefining what luxury can look and feel like. This month, she brings that world of joy-sparking design and exquisite craftsmanship to Edinburgh for a special two-day pop-up at Gleneagles Townhouse — running Friday 28 November (10am–6pm) and Saturday 29 November (10am–5pm).

Ahead of her visit, Anya shares the roots of her brand, her love of bespoke craftsmanship, and the personal wisdom that’s shaped her remarkable career.

Your brand has always been synonymous with playful design and clever storytelling. How did it all begin — and what inspires you most when creating designs with that balance of wit, purpose and craftsmanship?

For me, it is all about making people feel something when they interact with our brand — creating experiences and memories. I am very serious about beautiful craftsmanship, but accessories are there to make you feel good; so that can be a meticulously made top-handle bag made to last generations, the Mortimer messed up with your favourite charms, an Anya Brands Nurofen mini bucket, or a Bespoke Ultimate Box personalised with secret messages and photos. If it brings a smile, that is a job well done.

Your Bespoke Collection is at the heart of your Gleneagles Townhouse pop-up. What makes this collection so special — and why does personalisation resonate so strongly right now?

Bespoke has been at the heart of the brand since we launched in 1987. For me, it is about celebrating and preserving the art of craftsmanship. The Bespoke Store could tell so many beautiful stories of personal moments — births, weddings, anniversaries, milestones. It is wonderful to think that pieces made in our workshop will be passed down through generations.

Anya Hindmarch is bringing her collections to Gleneagles Townhouse Edinburgh from November 28th to 29th

What can Hood readers expect to discover at the pop-up?

We will be bringing an edit of the mainline collection — the Mortimer, Ringo and Wilson styles — as well as some of the newly arrived Christmas pieces, sequin bugs and beetles, and favourite Anya Brands charms, pouches and purses.

What drew you to collaborate with Gleneagles Townhouse — and why bring the event to Edinburgh?
I was honoured to be asked. The Gleneagles Townhouse is one of my favourite places, and events like this are an important way for me to meet and connect with the customer.

You’ve long been at the forefront of sustainability in luxury fashion. How do you innovate without compromising beauty or design?
We always talk about progress, not perfection. Sometimes perfection can be the enemy of good — I want to keep improving, refining and learning more in our approach to sustainability. Our latest project is the Universal Bag, a global initiative in partnership with food retailers to offer a longer-term, recycled and recyclable alternative to current bags for life. Single-use plastic is still a huge global issue, but I’m told we’ve collaboratively saved over 330 tonnes of virgin plastic from landfill since launching in 2021.

Your book If In Doubt, Wash Your Hair is filled with brilliant advice. What’s the best piece of woman-to-woman wisdom you’ve received?
One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was from a Catholic Nun on my first day at school. She welcomed us in and said: “If you accept that you will never be fully satisfied, then you will be very happy indeed.” It stayed with me.

You received a Damehood in 2024 for services to fashion and business. How did that moment feel — and what does that recognition mean to you?
It was such an honour and very humbling. I only hope I can do the title justice.

At Christmas, are you an organised list-maker or a last-minute inspiration shopper? And where do you love to shop?
A bit of both, to be honest. As a family, we devised a system called The Christmas Contract when they became teenagers. We give them an agreed amount at the start of December to spend on gifts. There are a few ground rules, and anything unspent is donated — we even have a “legal” contract they sign. The purchases are wrapped and put under the tree. They love the process; it takes the pressure off and ensures everyone gets something they really want.

Anya’s designs are created to bring joy.

Your designs always find joy in the everyday. Do you find that same playfulness in your own life — and what brings you joy?
I do try to look for the joy in the everyday. The wider political landscape is heavy and constantly challenging for our business, but I love problem-solving and moving forward. Outside work, my husband and I have a little cottage in Wiltshire we escape to at weekends — it’s a balm for the soul. I also love to travel and am lucky to have the very best group of girlfriends.

You’ve championed British craftsmanship for decades. What excites you about the next generation of makers?
The craftspeople are the real heroes of the story. There is so much innovation in techniques and materials — it’s incredibly exciting for the industry’s future.

And finally — you’re visiting Edinburgh at such a magical time of year. How do you love to spend a winter weekend off-duty?
I hope to see more of beautiful Edinburgh while I’m here. The run-up to Christmas is my favourite — twinkly lights, darker nights, mince pies and mulled wine. I’m also a complete history nerd; my family and I love history walks in London, so perhaps there’s one I can fit in while I’m here…

Anya Hindmarch at Gleneagles Townhouse
Friday 28 November (10am–6pm) and Saturday 29 November (10am–5pm).