Crispy genius

This week our attention was unexpectedly drawn to one of the most talked-about S/S '14 pieces: Anya Hindmarch's crisp packet clutch bag. Spotted in the hands of Emma Watson and Caroline Issa amongst other fashionistas, the bag comes in a choice of four colours and will set you back £995 apiece (deep breaths, please).

Photo: Anya Hindmarch website

Inspired by "space debris" (honing in on the futuristic trend that never seems to disappear from our fashion radars) the bag was debuted at the S/S '14 London Fashion Week shows.

In typical STITCH style, however, we're not really interested in who is carrying this beauty on their arm this season - or indeed in how this piece is styled, and why it is so popular. What's captivating about this bag is its undeniable uniqueness and obvious craftmanship.

You see, Hindmarch here has actually STARTED with the obvious: a crisp packet. This is photographed from all angles, and then computer generated. The first prototype is then taken to Italy where craftsmen help mould the metalwork, before the bag is moulded (using 8 moulds) and then sprayed with thin layers of colour to achieve the perfect shade. According to Anya's world, it takes SEVEN hours to make one clutch bag - inclusive of varnishing by hand. This bag truly is a work of art.

This bag symbolises a bold move in the textiles world. Whilst the idea of creating everyday objects in textiles form is not new (a great example that springs to mind is Kate Jenkins' crocheted art, including fried eggs and toothpaste), Anya's crisp packet seems to speak differently. 

Emma Watson with her crisp packet clutch

First and foremost, it is fabulously ironic - can you even imagine a model/fashionista/designer EATING a packet of Walkers crisps? At the risk of sounding too cynical, I cannot imagine that Anna Wintour ever brings in a packet of salt n' vinegar to eat for elevenses at her desk. Hindmarch has cleverly thrust Walkers crisps into the fashion spotlight, and actually made those age-old, beloved, crinkly packets, kind of CHIC.

Secondly, the craftmanship is really overwhelmingly brilliant. It is made out of partial metal - an undeniably difficult material to work with, and that's without the complicated asymmetrical design and high-shine finish. It also weighs under 500g, another amazing feat making the bag brilliantly modern and useable as well as an immediate classic. 

"The crisp packet was inspired by my love of everyday objects which are made in the most luxurious way by incredible craftsmenship. It is very complicated as it is completely asymmetrical and took many goes to get it right. It was a real labour of love, but we love it."  -ANYA HINDMARCH

Yes, textiles and everyday objects HAS been done before. But has it been done in such a way? Marrying luxury with mundane, extreme craftmanship with everyday, and textile/fashion design with metal/space age chic. 

Crisp packet + crumples + metal + Anya Hindmarch = unexpectedly genius. 

Or as the lady herself puts it: "wearable art".

When the first wave of Anya's luxe-crisps landed, the bag sold out within three hours. Several colours still remain out of stock, but with the next load of almost-£1k-worthy wonder-bags expected to drop in mid-March those on the waiting list can only hope they aren't disappointed.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE CRISP PACKET CLUTCH VISIT Anya's World