Thankfully LFW calmed down slightly after the weekend, with Monday bringing but one visit to Anya Hindmarch's House of Intrigue. Never one to disappoint, the accessories designer set up camp in an 18th century town house near Charing Cross to showcase her AW11 collection - it was refreshing to see someone think outside the box and go all-out creative with their presentation.
I was led around the house by a 'Tour Guide', starting with a room dedicated to the Tassel Tree - a giant 3D paper sculpture adorned with tassels - something of a theme in the new collection - and littered with butter soft leather tasseled tote bags with exotic finished ranging from python to shagreen. I definitely had my eye on the delicious black clutch bag with shagreen clasp detail and tassel - perfection personified.
With sumptuous bags in every nook and cranny, I was led through to another room resplendent with an antique wardrobe full of Hindmarch's AW11 ready-to-wear. An indulgent knitted fox fur gilet was a clear favourite, as was the re-invented super soft sheepskin jacket and a beautifully-cut wool coat trimmed in leather. A peek through the back of the wardrobe - Narnia style- to view a film reel of a bag show and I was captivated.
Downstairs were but more beauties, with a gorgeous raw-edged tote bag in a vibrant shade of rusty orange lending a more relaxed feel to the collection, though never compromising on Hindmarch's impeccable attention to detail; bags come resplendent with gold-embossed pockets for Cards, Coins, Mobile, Music and Lipstick, a gorgeous touch I have always admired.
After a spot of Afternoon Tea with mini salmon brioches and fondant fancies, I had a chat with the lovely lady herself who explained to me her obsessions with old architecture and her perfectionist nature to detail - if it produces such stunning bags season after season it can't be a bad thing. The piéce de resistance had to be the tea room with a centrepiece table of wobbling jellies and beautiful accessories laid out on a platter - literally, glittered clutch bags and embellished sandals were presented on silver spinning platters, the perfect finishing touch to a perfect presentation. I'm definitely converted.
Love Laurel x
