What one of Princess Catherine’s favourite bag designers wears to work

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, British designer Anya Hindmarch.

Anya Hindmarch believes fashion is in a “be who you are” era.Credit:

How would you describe your style? I wear a lot of trouser suits and boyish clothes in navy blue, grey, black and brown, so it’s quite anonymous. I like to add personality with accessories.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A velvet tuxedo by Clare Waight Keller for Chloé. I love it. I wear it with our “Crisp Packet” clutch.

And the most recent addition? A navy skirt suit my dear friend [New Zealand-born designer] Emilia Wickstead custom-made for my investiture at Buckingham Palace.

What’s your favourite fashion era? I love now because you can be who you are. I don’t like being trussed up, I’m too busy for that, I like that I can wear trainers to a business meeting and to get stuff
done.

Who’s your favourite fashion designer? I’ve always loved Ossie Clark; I have a collection of his pieces from the 1970s.

What’s your fragrance of choice? I’m obsessed by a musky orange-blossom fragrance that I found in a 400-year-old perfumerie, Madini, in Tangier, Morocco.

What would you wear … on a first date? Dries Van Noten pinstripe trousers with a silk shirt and low heel. … on a plane? I’m a travel nerd and organisational obsessive. I wear a T-shirt, Nili Lotan jeans and a jumper around my shoulders. I take a nice jacket and our “In-Flight” bag, which has pockets for everything – headphones, chargers, passport. It’s neurotic, but it reminds you what to pack. … on the red carpet? A simple black column skirt and black satin T-shirt, both by The Row, and Jimmy Choos with a diamante ankle strap.

What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? A crisp white shirt – I like Studio Nicholson – and good jeans are important. Also, a beautiful handbag; I’m wearing our “Wilson” suede bag loaded up with charms.

Any go-to jewellery? I have lots of lovely jewellery, but I don’t wear much other than my wedding ring and Oura smart ring – I’m obsessed by sleep.

Anya Hindmarch wants to buy these Grenson x Emilia Wickstead loafers.Credit:

Can you remember a favourite item from when you were a child? My mother gave me one of her Gucci handbags when I was 15, and I vividly remember how it made me feel. I think it’s the root of why I do what I do.

What was your first fashion moment? Wearing a tartan and taffeta skirt with red shoes when I was about 13. It was a strong look, shall we say!

And your worst fashion mistake? It’s always when I wear something so uncomfortable or tight that I’m thinking more about what I’m wearing than what I’m saying.

What’s on your wish list? I’m trying to buy less. I don’t need any more clothes, but if I were to add anything it would be something classic like the “Grenda” loafer from the Grenson x Emilia Wickstead collaboration.

Is there something you would never wear? A miniskirt.

Is there a current trend you like? I’m into wide-leg trousers with huge pleats. Also, brown and pink are fun. We did a brown trouser suit for the Uniqlo x Anya Hindmarch collaboration that’s lovely worn with hot pink.

What do you sleep in? Anya Hindmarch white linen pyjamas with our signature eyes and black piping, or an Anderson & Sheppard men’s nightshirt.

What shoes do you wear most often? Bright yellow Hoka trainers and pointy Prada kitten heels.

Who’s your favourite fashion icon? Honestly, it’s my mother. Especially her elegant, feminine 1970s style; she’d wear narrow flared trousers with thin belts and skinny polo necks.

What do you wear on a typical working day? I like a uniform: suit trousers and a white shirt or a pencil skirt with denim shirt. It’s a bit androgynous, a bit nondescript – I let the handbag do the talking.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? A deconstructed knit from the second Uniqlo collaboration and tracksuit bottoms.

The Anya Hindmarch “Universal” shopping bag is available at Woolworths now.

Get the best of Sunday Life magazine delivered to your inbox every Sunday morning. Sign up here for our free newsletter.