May 3rd UPDATE: We have just been notified by the Anya Hindmarch team that after another sell-out launch in London through Sainsbury’s supermarket the online pre-order will be delayed. Originally the official US launch date for online pre-orders was 7th of May but this is going to be delayed due to the overwhelming reaction and response to the bags. They strongly advise you to register on the Anya Hindmarch website so they can keep you updated on when the bags will be available. The in-store launch remains on the 20th June in all 4 Anya Hindmarch stores as well as Fred Segal Flair and Ron Herman in LA.
As with all successful ventures, there will be naysayers and Anya Hindmarch has received recent pieces of press in the UK criticising her for having the bags made in China. As we have received enquiries about this we decided to speak to Anya directly to set the record straight.
From Anya:
“Our aim with this project has been to use our influence to make it fashionable not to use plastic bags. ‘I’m Not A Plastic Bag’ was designed to be a stylish, practical, reusable bag that would raise awareness of this issue and spark debate. We feel that we have achieved this aim beyond our wildest dreams. For more information about where the bags was made etc, please see our website.
Check out the US edition of I'm not a Plastic Bag with navy blue writing! I like it even better than the European version, which sold out within 2 hours in London with lines around the block from 6am! I am so incredibly inspired by Anya's dedication to change the world, one cotton bag at a time. Please join us in supporting her efforts, all you've got to gain is a better world :)
Message from Anya Hindmarch to Bag Snob readers:
"When I was first approached with this idea, it gave me the chills. It seemed so important. The thing that struck me was that when I started working at 18 years old in the late Eighties, I remember drinking double espressos and smoking Marlboro lights and working all day and night. I remember the cool young girls I started employing arriving with their yoga mats and pomegranate seeds and their plants on their desk for oxygen and me thinking it was all a bit ‘knit your own yoghurt’. But of course the reality is that now we all realise the importance of looking after your health, what you eat and what you do. It was these cool, fashionable influences that helped it become trendy."
“The bag project all started two years ago when a man called David Robinson approached me. David - who is a very good man – runs a global social change network called We Are What We Do. They are a fantastic movement who try to inspire people to use their everyday actions to change the world. He is very much of the belief that if everyone makes a small change and does their bit it can actually amount to making a big difference.I just loved the simplicity of that and I agree with it. The first thing that they did was publish a book, which was done in a really upbeat, unworthy way, called ‘How to Change the World for a Fiver,’ and it was very popular - organizations really embraced it and gave it out to their employees. It started with fifty actions that anyone could do to help - things like ‘smile at old people because they know lots of good stuff’ and ‘turn off the water when you’re brushing your teeth.’But the first action was ‘decline plastic bags whenever possible.’ We Are What We Do came to see us because they were very keen to take the success of the book into a project.I was enamored with the idea because I do believe there is so much wasted packaging - although I’m far from perfect myself.
But secondly I thought they were really good people and it was a really exciting project to try and highlight - it’s such an easy thing to do. We designed the bag as it’s big and easy and great for groceries, but will probably be used as a school bag or a gym bag. I use mine everyday as a tote bag bringing stuff from home.
“There’s a lot to be said for plastic for sure, but on a recent shopping trip I refused nine plastic bags as I could put things directly into my cotton one - and that’s amazing.If it makes people rethink their behaviour and perhaps makes the supermarkets rethink their solutions then it’s achieved something as far as I’m concerned."
“What’s really exciting is the reaction from people. “I’ve literally had letters from models, film stars, politicians and even Prince Charles yesterday, all saying ‘fantastic, well done, we all support it and we’re right behind it."
“I’m not the greenest person around, I drive a diesel car (I have five children) but the point is that ‘we are what we do’ and if we all do a little thing then we’ll solve the damage, we’ll stop making it worse. And it really doesn’t take you long to rethink the way you behave."
To receive information on when you can get start the pre-order, register for the Anya Hindmarch newsletter at Anya's website and they will email you directly with the latest updates.
Comments (471)
Anya Hindmarch fakes are beginning to make an appearance. This week I was unfortunate enough to buy on ebay a fake bag which claimed to be be from last summers collection.
As soon as I received the bag I knew at once that there was something wrong with it, the production qualities were just too low for an Anya Hindmarch bag. Apart from a blurry appliqued bow, there were no labels to indicate that it was one of hers, and crucially, no engraving of her name on the gold rings.
I contacted the Pont Street shop and the salesperson asked me to email her a photo of the bag. She rang me back at once to confirm that it was a fake. Not only did she not recognise it, she confirmed that ALL Anya Hindmarch bags have her name engraved on the metal work.
It is a measure of Anya's success that she is now being copied. Don't buy fakes on ebay. The seller as yet is insisting that the bag is real, despite having no evidence to demonstrate otherwise.
Posted by Linda Grant | March 27, 2007 10:52:35 AM
Posted on March 27, 2007 10:52
I just read Linda Grant's comment and am most unhappy about the fake Anya bags. I have 3 of her bags and 1 cute purse. I rang the AH store in Kuala Lumpur today to enquire about the "I'm not a Plastic Bag" bags and was also sad to note that they will not be sold at the same price as in the UK. Apparently they will cost as much as 4 times more! Nevertheless I have put my name down for 2 bags - they are apparently sold out in London - so why not!
Bag Snob - I love this site. First read about you girls in British Vogue - can't live without my daily snob fix!
Posted by forty2sharlini | March 27, 2007 11:23:25 AM
Posted on March 27, 2007 11:23
Thanks for the tip BagSnob! I just called the L.A. store and when I told the woman who answered the phone that BagSnob sent me and that I wanted to be put on the list she exclaimed "Smart woman"!
Posted by Deborah | March 27, 2007 1:46:49 PM
Posted on March 27, 2007 13:46
It came. I have to say it is rather fabulous and so well made! It would actually make a great bag to put a real bag in when you’re travelling and need to carry lots of stuff with one hand. It just fits over the shoulder and has a flat stiff surface so you can put it down without it falling over. Viva Anya!
Posted by Linda Grant | April 2, 2007 8:16:16 AM
Posted on April 2, 2007 08:16
I don't get it. Why would you want to carry around a bag that says it's not a plastic bag? The Isabella Fiori Pirate Bag is WAY cuter...and it jingles.
Posted by dana | April 9, 2007 10:35:45 PM
Posted on April 9, 2007 22:35
Does anyone know where Canadians might get their hands on a bag?
Posted by Audrey | April 11, 2007 12:39:20 PM
Posted on April 11, 2007 12:39
The lines are busy! LOL.
Posted by Designer Ella | April 11, 2007 1:54:31 PM
Posted on April 11, 2007 13:54
I'm afraid I must retract my comments about the fake AH bags. The bag was, it turned out, a sample that had never gone into production hence the lack of any trademarks.
Posted by Linda Grant | April 11, 2007 3:56:59 PM
Posted on April 11, 2007 15:56
I just called all three of the Holt Renfrew stores in Toronto and none of the handbag salespeople knew what bag I was talking about! I guess I'll have to call again later on to get put on the waiting list, grr. How disappointing.
Posted by Rebecca | April 11, 2007 4:03:49 PM
Posted on April 11, 2007 16:03
how much is this bag??
Posted by cinthia | April 11, 2007 5:03:17 PM
Posted on April 11, 2007 17:03
dear anya: never admit to driving a diesel car in an interview about your new environmentally friendly bags. other than that, i'm in love with you.
Posted by ashley churchill | April 11, 2007 5:27:25 PM
Posted on April 11, 2007 17:27
Thanks so much Bag Snob for the heads up on calling Anya Hindmarch and placing oneself on a list for the "I'm Not a Plastic Bag" bag. I placed myself on the list at the Greene Street store and they called me up yesterday to give me the option of having it shipped to my house! Bag Snob=the best!
Posted by Perry | April 11, 2007 5:46:11 PM
Posted on April 11, 2007 17:46
Thanks for the heads up, Bag Snob. The Robertson store just closed. I'll make sure to call tomorrow!
Posted by shopdiary | April 11, 2007 10:25:40 PM
Posted on April 11, 2007 22:25
cinthia: according to a previous post they retailed for £5, so i would guess $10-15ish in shops.
http://www.bagsnob.com/2007/03/im_not_a_plastic_bag_from_anya.html
Posted by Sebastiana | April 11, 2007 11:06:38 PM
Posted on April 11, 2007 23:06
The Robertson store called me yesterday to get my credit card and shipping info. It's $15/bag (limit 2) and $15 shipping. Cheers!
Posted by Deborah | April 12, 2007 12:08:48 AM
Posted on April 12, 2007 00:08
YES. Thank you so much for posting, I was just emailing them last week to ask about the American release!
Just for clarification, will they be available at all Holt Renfrew locations?
Rebecca: Tell me if you get any news! I'm near the Toronto location as well. Maybe we'll have to wait till June to be on a waiting list...
Posted by chic | April 12, 2007 12:16:03 AM
Posted on April 12, 2007 00:16
I love this US edition, the colour is nice. Just called up the store in Singapore and was told that the waiting list for the 100pcs that 'll be launched in Singapore is all filled-up. It'll be retailed at S$45, nevertheless, i still requested to be placed on the waiting list just incase someone doesn't pick theirs up... Pray hard that I'll get it...
Posted by Cheryl | April 12, 2007 4:35:50 AM
Posted on April 12, 2007 04:35
This bag is a declaration of love to our planet and to fashion. Designers should be that creative more often. It's a beautiful way to say fashion doesn't care only about fashion. We love you Anya.
http://cocowatchesus.blogspot.com/
Posted by Mademoiselle Coco | April 12, 2007 8:45:27 AM
Posted on April 12, 2007 08:45
Does anyone know how to get one in Australia? aparently there is no AH stores in Aussie...how sad...
Cheryl, can you help me to ask the AH singapore if they can ship it to aussie?
many thanks
Posted by Christine | April 12, 2007 9:58:11 AM
Posted on April 12, 2007 09:58
I JUST ORDERED 2!!!!!!!!!
Posted by kelly | April 12, 2007 1:42:23 PM
Posted on April 12, 2007 13:42
Christine, there're no more stock as the 100pcs are all reserved. Don't worry, if AH did call me up to collect, I'll get one extra for you and make arrangement to ship to you.
Posted by cheryl | April 12, 2007 8:42:49 PM
Posted on April 12, 2007 20:42
Christine...that's because the limited infiltration of US and European brands into Australia has allowed the flourishing of local Austranlian brands (think: No Zara or real Mango allowed the Just Group empire, no BR allowed Witchery, less specialty bag labels like AH and Nuti allowed Oroton) but the downside is no participation in good global deals! Cheryl- the Spore store is trying to get their 100 expanded by another 100 from London (but in the charcoal grey colour which is the "Singapore" colour)
Posted by Weylin | April 12, 2007 9:06:24 PM
Posted on April 12, 2007 21:06
Thanks for all very valuable information here. But just wondering which site I can log on to have an international order from HK?
Posted by michelle | April 12, 2007 10:50:13 PM
Posted on April 12, 2007 22:50
wicked bag i must say. wicked.
Posted by cherienooz | April 13, 2007 4:20:03 AM
Posted on April 13, 2007 04:20
Hi ladies - FYI: I just called the E 60th street in NYC location and they are still taking names! All bags are being shipped, so don't fret if you're out of state!
Posted by Michelle | April 13, 2007 10:56:34 AM
Posted on April 13, 2007 10:56
Cheryl,
thank you so much sweetie....
let me know how i can contact you
Weylin,
exactly!!! shopping sucks in Australia
are you in Australia too?
Posted by Christine | April 13, 2007 12:40:04 PM
Posted on April 13, 2007 12:40
SOOOO COOL
Posted by JUDITH MANUEL | April 15, 2007 7:33:35 PM
Posted on April 15, 2007 19:33
Christine, not a problem. You can email me at lv_alma03@yahoo.com.sg. Pray hard that both of us can get the bag. It's so funny, i even dreamt that I managed to get this bag at a local shopping centre at only S$11! I think I'm getting crazy over this bag... hahaha
Posted by Cheryl | April 16, 2007 3:23:22 AM
Posted on April 16, 2007 03:23
I'm sorry. I like the idea behind this but why would I need to waste money on a bag to carry my groceries when I have sacks already lying around at home. Bravo for the idea but this whole thing is just too trendy for me to care.
Posted by TK | April 16, 2007 5:28:30 PM
Posted on April 16, 2007 17:28
Hello
Does anybody know if you can still get hold of these bags and where?
Posted by Samantha | April 18, 2007 5:17:46 AM
Posted on April 18, 2007 05:17
Hey Samantha, try calling the E 60th Anya Hindmarch branch. I think the list is not yet closed. The faster the list gets filled up, the sooner they would call back asking for shipping and payment information.
Posted by Delphine | April 18, 2007 10:34:53 AM
Posted on April 18, 2007 10:34
For you Canadian bag snobs waiting for the bag at Holt Renfrew, I just called the Bloor St. location and there's already a waiting list. The salesperson didn't tell me how many people are already on the list. She said that as far as she knew, only Bloor, Montreal and Vancouver stores were definitely going to be receiving them (don't know if Sherway or Yorkdale are).
Posted by Rebecca | April 19, 2007 5:06:49 PM
Posted on April 19, 2007 17:06
Hey all, I just wanted to let you know that your best bet in all of your searches would be to call the short hills store. they're a less known location so people haven't really been calling there as much as NY and LA... plus they're super friendly and always ready to help! Just throwing that out there if anyone is still in need of a preorder!
Posted by katie | April 21, 2007 12:11:29 AM
Posted on April 21, 2007 00:11
I ordered these from the Short Hills store and the associates are great. Very courteous and enthusiastic. I'm visiting family in May and will definitely stop by the store!
Posted by Lisa | April 21, 2007 11:34:43 AM
Posted on April 21, 2007 11:34
Regarding Holt Renfrew carrying it in Vancouver, I was quite unhappy with the service I got when I called them earlier today...she said that they didn't carry Anya Hindmarch, and when I mentioned that the "I'm Not a Plastic Bag"'s a special edition thing, she was like, well maybe we'll carry it in for fall. Anyone from Vancouver, it looks like we won't be getting any.
Hopefully someone will correct me!
Posted by Vivien | April 21, 2007 7:59:54 PM
Posted on April 21, 2007 19:59
Hi
I live in the UK but would really like the US version of this bag, does anyone know if I can get one shipped to the UK? I want the the USA one to be a bit different, I have got the UK version if anyone wants to do a swap?
Posted by sally whittle | April 22, 2007 7:10:32 AM
Posted on April 22, 2007 07:10
Thanks to Katie for the "heads up" on the Short Hills store...I called and spoke with Leah, she was awesome!! I was able to snag two bags ... I'd love to get the Japanese version too ... a girl can dream...
Posted by Lexi | April 22, 2007 4:48:48 PM
Posted on April 22, 2007 16:48
Hi Bag Snob,
Thanks for all the interesting comments on the AH bag. I put myself on the waiting list at their New York store over the weekend.Apparently they are coming in June and they have ordered 1000 pieces so no problems getting one. only discouraging bit is the queue!
Can't wait till June!
Posted by Catherine | April 23, 2007 3:02:26 AM
Posted on April 23, 2007 03:02
thanks for all the info, bagsnob. I fell in love with the bag after seeing it in Vogue. I just called the Short Hills store and was able to preorder. The SA was really helpful and even said she'd check with the Robertson store if they were still taking preorders (since it's much closer to me and it'd ship much faster).
Posted by Jaymie | April 23, 2007 12:50:04 PM
Posted on April 23, 2007 12:50
I previously posted about Vancouver store being silly, but apparently they just found out about them today. Anyone in Vancouver (Canada) area and wants one of these adorable bags, the waiting list is very short as of now...hurry otherwise the list'll fill up very soon (as it probably already has in Toronto)!
Posted by Vivien | April 23, 2007 8:30:25 PM
Posted on April 23, 2007 20:30
I just called the short hills store, and they're still taking orders. Yeah, I just ordered 2!
Posted by metamonkey | April 24, 2007 11:08:02 AM
Posted on April 24, 2007 11:08
Awesome - I just placed myself on the list at Short Hills after the Greene street store said they closed their list a while ago. Thank you BagSnob!!
Posted by bag girl | April 24, 2007 1:35:53 PM
Posted on April 24, 2007 13:35
I am so excited I found this information out on BagSnob! I called Short Hills and am on the list!
I have been hounding my Mother-in-Law in England to get to Sainsburys at 8AM tomorrow (when the bags go on sale) and to try and get me one bag (one per customer). If not, I have my back up already purchased!
Whew, I can relax a bit and this will probably help relations between my Mother-in-Law and myself. I've been obsessed with this bag!
Posted by jacquelinej | April 24, 2007 3:14:56 PM
Posted on April 24, 2007 15:14
I have to say, that the initial idea of the I'm not a plastic bag, is great, but the side effect of it is not so global friendly, because it is so sought after now , more phones are being used, more computers sat on, more cars journeys to find the bag etc etc. If a large amount had been made in the beginning and not followed by limited small orders, maybe this wouldnt have been so popular! or maybe the stars should stick to their designer bags and leave the shopping bags to proper shoppers lol.
Posted by Lin Stanley | April 25, 2007 4:22:58 AM
Posted on April 25, 2007 04:22
Just been to sainsbury's to queue for my bag but all gone already!! (People were there at 3am waiting and only 30 bags at each store!!). Visiting LA in June so hopefully I can get one there. USA version is better anyway!
Posted by Kate | April 25, 2007 4:40:35 AM
Posted on April 25, 2007 04:40
can anyone help me where can i get the bag from. i wrk for siansburys we had 90 come in to the store this morning and theyve all one i was so gutted i dint get one. i tried ringing the numbers above but they not going through am frm the uk U SEE. HELPPPPP.........
Posted by sahdia | April 25, 2007 5:15:51 AM
Posted on April 25, 2007 05:15
I managed to get one from Sainsburys ...Queued at 5:30am and they opened up the store at 7am. They only had 30 and i was 5th in the queue. So pleased.Disappointed for the others who turned up at 6am.
Posted by Sam | April 25, 2007 5:26:33 AM
Posted on April 25, 2007 05:26
Does anyone know of anyways in which i can get a hold of that bag....its driving me crazy...i came bak disapointed today as they all sold out in sainsburys...PLEASE PLEASE SOMEONE!!!
Posted by leah | April 25, 2007 6:18:44 AM
Posted on April 25, 2007 06:18
Brilliant Site - stumbled over it today, will now be visiting alot!
I am thrilled at getting one of these bags this morning - short que at sainsbury's when I got there at 06.30 (maybe 20 people) - huge by 7am! The store I went to is pretty big and they had 85 bags. Feel really sorry for the people who didn't get one and really cross at the people who only got them to sell on ebay for a HUGE profit. There were so called 'mothers' there at 6.30 this morning with bleary eyed kids who should have been in bed who instead were there to get a bag - its one per customer - so they gave their kids £5 and hey presto - the more kids you have the more money you make on ebay! There was one woman who already had 3 bags (she had 2 kids) who was then trying to get people to sell their tickets to her - they gave out tickets to the first 85 people at 7am, then you had to go back at 8am to get your bag - I was outraged!!! Come on Anya, flood the market with them and stop the ebayers making such an obscene profit - some are going on the uk site for nearly £200 and loads have been put on today already - SO unfair for genuine handbag addicts like us who just wanted to have one to USE!
Posted by michelle | April 25, 2007 9:18:12 AM
Posted on April 25, 2007 09:18
Just spoken to a lovely SA in Short Hills store and unfortunately they will not be shipping these bags to the UK. I am in San Francisco in May but obviously thats no good and I don't know anyone who lives in the States - Bummer:o( Don't suppose someone fancies getting me one of these and then popping over to London with it? ;o)
Posted by michelle | April 25, 2007 10:01:52 AM
Posted on April 25, 2007 10:01
My Mother-in-Law went to the Sainsbury's in Newhaven this morning only to find out that they were not carrying them (even though they were on the list distributed). So, I am not getting my British version of the bag. So glad I have reserved my US version!
Posted by jacquelinej | April 25, 2007 10:12:25 AM
Posted on April 25, 2007 10:12
i was there early, but there were only 30 bags and the queues were all round the store, is there anyway to get a usa version without paying hundreds of pounds for it?
so annoyed not to get one.
PLease help!
Posted by Jem | April 25, 2007 12:38:56 PM
Posted on April 25, 2007 12:38
where can i order bag in uk
Posted by jeanette hannay | April 25, 2007 1:23:19 PM
Posted on April 25, 2007 13:23
East 60 store list is still open! Just got my 2!!
Posted by amanda | April 25, 2007 1:25:35 PM
Posted on April 25, 2007 13:25
I took my 3 year old to our Sainsbury's and the man issuing tickets gave her one too!!! We have one for sale. Please e mail me at alisonkatedavies@hotmail.com and we can discuss. Regards.
Posted by Alison Davies | April 25, 2007 1:36:51 PM
Posted on April 25, 2007 13:36
hey, i am desperate for one of these bags... i would like the us version, can anyone tell if there is a way to order them from the UK or could someone do it for me?
HELP!!!
Posted by Lynn Smith | April 25, 2007 1:45:02 PM
Posted on April 25, 2007 13:45
Love this site - discovered it today! Got my I'm not a plastic Bag today - in Ipswich, UK. Sainsburys store here got 90. I got there at 6.15 and was No 7 in the queue. A couple had been there since 3.30 but being Ipswich that was probably rather ambitious! Anyway, tickets handed out to first 90 at 7.30am - and there were only 57 in the queue, but that said ticket 90 was gone by 7.45. We then had to queue up again at 8am to pay and collect, all in the presence of rather a lot of burly looking security guys in the store! I got mine, I'm thrilled with it and took it out for a walk at lunchtime today witha few admiring glances cast my way! No ways am I selling this on Ebay although I did notice one bag sold this morning for £240 (£$480)!!!!!I was now wondering whether I could start a collection with the US and Japanese ones due out soon. I will try and pre-order on the AH website but I imagine its probably restricted to US/Japanese resident customers? Anyway, I LOVE my bag! LOL!
Posted by Lara | April 25, 2007 3:02:44 PM
Posted on April 25, 2007 15:02
Please help me grab a bag!! Had no joy today and not prepared to buy from e-bay! - Any overseas stores with stock still available that you know about? Please!!!
Posted by Amanda Jones | April 25, 2007 5:37:30 PM
Posted on April 25, 2007 17:37
Amanda -- If you're not in a rush, I know Holt Renfrew (Canada) are taking orders, as well as all those boutiques mentioned above (E 60th in NYC, Short Hills in New Jersey) etc...
For those who got one, is it a big bag? What size?
Posted by Vivien | April 25, 2007 9:29:32 PM
Posted on April 25, 2007 21:29
I put in an order for 2 at Short Hills a couple of days ago.
June 20th is far too long to wait!
Posted by Christina D. | April 26, 2007 12:31:38 AM
Posted on April 26, 2007 00:31
Amanda, if you are in UK we are out of luck as none of the stores in the US that I have called are willing to ship to the UK........:o(
Posted by michelle | April 26, 2007 6:33:26 AM
Posted on April 26, 2007 06:33