Thieves spot an investment

Following the unfortunate raid on handbag designer Anya Hindmarch’s Bond Street boutique last week, much attention has been drawn to the all British brand. It is believed that Hindmarch was targeted because many guests at the royal wedding were seen carrying her designs, including the Duchess of Kent, Serena Armstrong-Jones, Lady Helen Taylor and Julia Ogilvy. This is the ninth time that Anya Hindmarch has been targeted in smash and grab raids, and it seems that thieves and customers alike just can’t get enough of her bags- but what makes an Anya Hindmarch design the investment piece you can’t live without? 

            Hindmarch’s bespoke Ebury bag is the brand’s star attraction, which was launched in 2003 to mark their tenth anniversary of retail, but remains a strong contender in every list of ‘investment pieces’ today. The style now exists beyond trends, and yet with the option of personal inscription in the handwriting of a loved one, each bag is a new creation in itself. “They are not of a season, they are of a moment of your life that will last and be part of a story for generations,” says Hindmarch.

            Available in various colours and skins, but without the heavy hardware seen on trend driven styles of late, the bag epitomises paired down, classic elegance. The Ebury manages to tread the right side of smart but not too stuffy for the office, while containing a secret gilt message from a friend or lover- the only glint of flashy detail to be found. As many women see their handbag as an extension of themselves, a sort of familiar friend that is carted around as a companion to their daily life, this personal touch seems to set the Ebury apart from the heartless ‘It bag’ styles it competes with. Hindmarch seems to have realised the lucrative potential of this bespoke service, and now boasts a range of clutch bags, purses and travel accessories that can be personalised. The service comes at a considerable price tag, but most buyers are far more concerned with the pressure involved in such a purchase- handwriting practice has never seemed so crucial.     

Charlie Byrne