Hindmarch also reflected on her memories of the late Queen, describing her as “charming and very well researched
Dame Anya Hindmarch, the renowned British accessories designer, has opened up about her memorable collaboration with the late Princess Diana and the enduring support the royal family has given to British brands. In a recent interview with The Times magazine, Hindmarch revealed some intimate details about the creations she made for Princess Diana, including the unique “cleavage bags.”
Hindmarch explained that the Princess of Wales used the bags to protect her modesty when exiting cars. “Princess Diana wore our bags to protect her modesty as she got out of a car. A ‘cleavage bag,'” Hindmarch shared. “She was very low-key and kind. We made her lots of bags embroidered with her initial, D.”
The designer praised Diana for her unwavering support of British design, noting how significant this was for her brand. “She was very supportive of British design talent, which is epic when you’re growing a brand,” Hindmarch said. “The presence that the royal family gives to British brands is spectacular.”
Hindmarch also reflected on her memories of the late Queen, describing her as “charming and very well researched.” She added, “She was such an icon. When we think of the UK, we will always have her in mind.”
One of Hindmarch’s most famous creations was the ‘I’m Not A Plastic Bag’ tote, which became an instant hit when it launched in 2007. The bag, which aimed to raise awareness about the dangers of single-use plastic, sparked an overwhelming demand, with 80,000 people queuing to buy it in one day. “It was quite overwhelming,” Hindmarch admitted. “30 people went to hospital in Taiwan [when the bag went on sale], which is when we stopped the project.”
She acknowledged that the success of the bag was both thrilling and unexpected, adding, “It went too well, because it became this absolutely crazy thing. We’ve had a similar frenzy recently with the Universal Bag.”
In her conversation, Hindmarch also touched on the deeper connection people have with their handbags. She believes that a handbag can offer valuable insight into a person’s character. “If you look at someone’s handbag, it often says a lot about them. Is it clean? Polished? Organised?” Hindmarch explained. “The inside of your evening bag is one of the most private parts of you.”
Dame Anya Hindmarch’s designs continue to captivate, making her one of the most influential names in the world of fashion accessories.
