June 29, 2020
A New Fashion Footprint With Anine Bing
A NEW FASHION FOOTPRINT WITH ANINE BING
Interviewed By: Nateisha Scott
Interviewed By: Nateisha Scott
Starting out as a model, Anine Bing has travelled the world and seen the fashion industry develop before her eyes. With years within the industry and collaborating with leading designers, Anine decided to step out and launch her own brand. Pulling together the modern woman, a fashion forward footprint and a trans-seasonal strategy, Anine Bing the fashion label was born.
Pieces made exquisite fabrics and details, we discuss the making of the brand, empowering women today and the journey for fashion, beauty and skincare.
NS: Your role and what you do?
AB: Chief Creative Officer at ANINE BING.
NS: A background as to how you grew in your career?
AB: I always dreamed of launching a modern-day luxury fashion house. I wanted to create a wardrobe for the modern woman that felt approachable, effortless and not overcomplicated. The multifaceted woman leads a very busy life––between work, family, and kids––so quality and craftsmanship are very important to me when it comes to designing pieces that are intended to last a long time.
When I launched my brand in 2012, I knew I needed to take an innovative approach to be recognized and trusted as an authority in the marketplace. I knew that I needed to keep the consumer engaged, which is why I decided to focus on the "see now, buy now" model, which at the time, was breaking new ground in the fashion industry. We launch new pieces every week and regularly restock our Classics Collection, a curated assortment of timeless styles, including suiting separates, everyday layers, leather jackets and more that our customers keep coming back to us for.
NS: What was the best project you have worked on & why?
AB: Our collaboration with legendary fashion photographer Terry O'Neill has probably been my favourite project to date. Being able to meet Terry almost two-years ago now was an unbelievable experience. His work has inspired me for years. I was able to walk through his studio with him and hear the stories behind his iconic images. Having his art live on through our collaboration is something that I hold really close to my heart. The image we used of Brigitte Bardot was one of the first images I had on my mood board when I began my company, it's a really cool full circle moment for me and the brand.
NS: Tell me more about your recent Empowered campaign, what inspired the journey?
AB: I'm a firm believer in words of affirmation and empowering women through my designs. I wanted to combine the two to remind my customers how amazing they are. This sweatshirt was so special to me, not only for the messaging but that we were able to donate a portion of the proceeds to Every Mother Counts, a non-profit organization that works to make pregnancy and childbirth safe for every mother, everywhere.
NS: Your designs are so simple yet classic, what message do you want your designs to emulate?
AB: Timeless style with a rock n' roll edge.
NS: How do you juggle motherhood and running a successful fashion brand?
AB: It was really hard to find a balance in the beginning, juggling and raising a family as well as starting a business. My husband and I worked tirelessly for the first few years. Since our brand has grown, we've been able to hire amazing people that specialize in different departments and bring expertise to each function of the business. This has allowed us to really focus our energy on our respective roles.
NS: What are the plans for the future?
AB: I hope we continue to grow and evolve as a brand, which we've been able to do so well over the past few years. We will continue to open new stores across the world and work on new exciting collaborations.
NS: Your morning beauty routine (skincare / hair)?
AB: I start out with the Power Berry Serum from Paula's Choice, Cosmetix Eye Cream and finish with the 111SKIN Celestial Black Diamond Cream.
NS: Your evening routine?
AB: Cle de Peau Cleanser, Paula's Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant and a moisturizer from La Mer.
NS: Signature products you can’t live without?
AB: For hair, anything from Oribe. Make-Up, I love Laura Mercier, NARS & Chanel Beauty Skincare: I love the 111SKIN’s De-Puffing Energy Facial Mask and their Celestial Black Diamond Retinol Oil, I really notice a difference in my skin when I use those.
NS: Any wellness habits?
AB: I sip hot water with lemon and honey every morning. I love yoga and long walks with my family.
NS: A book or podcast that you treasure?
AB: I enjoy listening to Hillary Kerr's: Second Life Podcast. I'm reading a book by my friend Mia Tornblom right now that I've been loving.
NS: A cult product you can’t live without?
AB: Paula's Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant.
NS: On the go essentials?
AB: Sunglasses, lip balm & snacks.
NS: How do you wind down in the evening?
AB: I love to watch movies & play mancala with my family.
NS: Your favourite travel destination?
AB: Punta Mita in Mexico!
NS: Where do you see the industry going?
AB: I believe that people will begin to shop smarter. Investing in great pieces that will last them years.
NS: Outside of the industry, what other Industries are you into?
AB: I love beauty and skincare. My favourite form of self-care is winding down with a 111SKIN face mask at night and taking a few minutes in the morning to do my makeup.
NS: Any advice for other designers/business owners?
AB: Have a strong vision and stay true to your brand pillars.
Shop mask
Starting out as a model, Anine Bing has travelled the world and seen the fashion industry develop before her eyes. With years within the industry and collaborating with leading designers, Anine decided to step out and launch her own brand. Pulling together the modern woman, a fashion forward footprint and a trans-seasonal strategy, Anine Bing the fashion label was born.
Pieces made exquisite fabrics and details, we discuss the making of the brand, empowering women today and the journey for fashion, beauty and skincare.
NS: Your role and what you do?
AB: Chief Creative Officer at ANINE BING.
NS: A background as to how you grew in your career?
AB: I had always dreamt of launching a modern-day luxury fashion house. I wanted to create a wardrobe for the modern woman that felt approachable, effortless and not overcomplicated. The multifaceted woman leads a very busy life––between work, family, and kids––so quality and craftsmanship are very important to me when it comes to designing pieces that are intended to last a long time.
When I launched my brand in 2012, I knew I needed to take an innovative approach to be recognized and trusted as an authority in the marketplace. I knew that I needed to keep the consumer engaged, which is why I decided to focus on the "see now, buy now" model, which at the time, was breaking new ground in the fashion industry. We launch new pieces every week and regularly restock our Classics Collection, a curated assortment of timeless styles, including suiting separates, everyday layers, leather jackets and more that our customers keep coming back to us for.
NS: What was the best project you have worked on & why?
AB: Our collaboration with legendary fashion photographer Terry O'Neill has probably been my favourite project to date. Being able to meet Terry almost two-years ago now was an unbelievable experience. His work has inspired me for years. I was able to walk through his studio with him and hear the stories behind his iconic images. Having his art live on through our collaboration is something that I hold really close to my heart. The image we used of Brigitte Bardot was one of the first images I had on my mood board when I began my company, it's a really cool full circle moment for me and the brand.
NS: Tell me more about your recent Empowered campaign, what inspired the journey?
AB: I'm a firm believer in words of affirmation and empowering women through my designs. I wanted to combine the two to remind my customers how amazing they are. This sweatshirt was so special to me, not only for the messaging but that we were able to donate a portion of the proceeds to Every Mother Counts, a non-profit organization that works to make pregnancy and childbirth safe for every mother, everywhere.
NS: Your designs are so simple yet classic, what message do you want your designs to emulate?
AB: Timeless style with a rock n' roll edge.
NS: How do you juggle motherhood and running a successful fashion brand?
AB: It was really hard to find a balance in the beginning, juggling and raising a family as well as starting a business. My husband and I worked tirelessly for the first few years. Since our brand has grown, we've been able to hire amazing people that specialize in different departments and bring expertise to each function of the business. This has allowed us to really focus our energy on our respective roles.
NS: What are the plans for the future?
AB: I hope we continue to grow and evolve as a brand, which we've been able to do so well over the past few years. We will continue to open new stores across the world and work on new exciting collaborations.
NS: Your morning beauty routine (skincare / hair)?
AB: I start out with the Power Berry Serum from Paula's Choice, Cosmetix Eye Cream and finish with the 111SKIN Celestial Black Diamond Cream.
NS: Your evening routine?
AB: Cle de Peau Cleanser, Paula's Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant and a moisturizer from La Mer.
NS: Signature products you can’t live without?
AB: For hair, anything from Oribe. Make-Up, I love Laura Mercier, NARS & Chanel Beauty Skincare: I love the 111SKIN’s De-Puffing Energy Facial Mask and their Celestial Black Diamond Retinol Oil, I really notice a difference in my skin when I use those.
NS: Any wellness habits?
AB: I sip hot water with lemon and honey every morning. I love yoga and long walks with my family.
NS: A book or podcast that you treasure?
AB: I enjoy listening to Hillary Kerr's: Second Life Podcast. I'm reading a book by my friend Mia Tornblom right now that I've been loving.
NS: A cult product you can’t live without?
AB: Paula's Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant.
NS: On the go essentials?
AB: Sunglasses, lip balm & snacks.
NS: How do you wind down in the evening?
AB: I love to watch movies & play mancala with my family.
NS: Your favourite travel destination?
AB: Punta Mita in Mexico!
NS: Where do you see the industry going?
AB: I believe that people will begin to shop smarter. Investing in great pieces that will last them years.
NS: Outside of the industry, what other Industries are you into?
AB: I love beauty and skincare. My favourite form of self-care is winding down with a 111SKIN face mask at night and taking a few minutes in the morning to do my makeup.
NS: Any advice for other designers/business owners?
AB: Have a strong vision and stay true to your brand pillars.
SHOP MAsKs
If you were to advise a London guide, what would be on your list?
Well, As I grew up in Notting Hill, it will always have my heart and if I was recommending spots in London, a wander around Notting Hill would be high up on my list. From there it would be all the best shopping destinations, the iconic private members club, Annabels, Harrods and Liberty’s for any cute and unique gifts. I would always pop into 111CRYO at Harrods for the Cryo Facial and treatment for the ultimate recharge. Sometimes the city is great, but the beautiful secrets of the English countryside is something that should be experienced.
Your In-Flight Essentials?
I don’t have a routine per say and I am certainly not as thorough as Naomi Campbell but I would apply the Meso Infusion Lip Duo and I would always wipe my phone down with anti-bacterial wipes, in fact I do this every day, the bacteria build up is no good for the skin.
In terms of Industry, where do you see the hair industry going?
Well Instagram has changed so much and has impacted the way we consume and learn within the industry, especially with so many creatives, but I still find that a massive amount of people come to the professionals to share the knowledge on how to carry out or complete a desired look, more than ever there is power behind ‘how-to’ videos.
A very valid point and in terms of 2020?
In terms of what we are to see in 2020, things are going to be super creative and we will see a wider awareness for people doing their own thing and it will be expressive and artistic. People will move away from the overtly glamorous looks and will create looks they can tailor to their everyday. As it’s currently Award Season which is the busiest time of the year leading up to the Met Ball, hairstyles are certainly more elaborate, and everyone loves an up do. I would say the most timeless look has to be the blunt bob, it comes around year on year, but it is effortless and timeless.
Outside of hair, what other industries are you into?
I am hugely into Interiors and I would describe my style as 60s/70s glamour, think elaborate and dramatic but I often fantasise about 80s Dallas and Joan Collins and I have to reign myself in. I also love Baking; it is the ultimate way to relax and I find that it is my meditation and therapy. If I’m in the USA I would bake a lot of cookies as everyone is obsessed with then over here and in the UK, I would bake more traditional styles like a lemon tart or an apple tart – it allows for me to be creative outside of my job.
Finally, the best advice you have ever received?
It would have to be from my grandfather, he would often say to me “it’s not how well you’re doing but how well people think you’re doing”. I haven’t successfully implemented it however you can look to Instagram today and people see our work and are blown away by it, but we can be so hard on ourselves and not appreciate our own work ourselves.