I’d say my style is sporty and glamorous, but effortlessly chic at the same time! When I was younger, I would follow trends. Now I’m more classic and cool; I also prefer to be comfortable. During the day, I’m mostly in sneakers. Of course, I’m obsessed with shoes, so in the evening, I wear heels…”
Anu Hinduja, Founder, AN-Y1
Anu Hinduja (above, left) is a London-based fashion designer who recently launched her own collection, AN-Y1, inspired by F1. In this profile, we discuss Anu’s appearance on the CITY & BEACH INTERNATIONAL BEST DRESSED LIST 2025 and which designer pieces take center stage in her wardrobe…
C&B: “Anu, firstly congratulations on appearing on the CITY & BEACH INTERNATIONAL BEST DRESSED LIST 2025! As today is the day of Monaco Grand Prix, we thought it was the perfect time to showcase your best dressed style profile. What first inspired you to enter the world of fashion and create your own line?”
AH: “I began my journey in the fashion world with a beachwear brand named Ananya in the late 1990s, which I ran for fifteen years in shops in Knightsbridge and Notting Hill. These experiences were incredibly rewarding and laid the foundation for my current venture…”
“Now, I’ve introduced my fashion brand, AN-Y1, which draws inspiration from the iconic Gulf brand. My family takes pride in sponsoring Williams Racing, which has influenced the direction of my own collection. The AN-Y1 collection features a range of exquisite, unique pieces, including leather jackets, tracksuits, and soft cashmere items. My passion lies in creating niche brands that cater to market gaps, and I’m dedicated to ensuring that every piece we produce embodies quality and distinctiveness…”
C&B: “The collection is gorgeous – we love the colours you’ve chosen to use. How do you define your personal style, and how has it evolved over the years?”
AH: “I’d say my style is sporty and glamorous, but effortlessly chic at the same time! When I was younger, I would follow trends. Now I’m more classic and cool; I also prefer to be comfortable. During the day, I’m mostly in sneakers. Of course, I’m obsessed with shoes, so in the evening, I wear heels…”
C&B: “Of all the designers out there, which do you wear most often and which fashion icons most inspire you?”
AH: “I’ve loved Chanel since I was quite young, so it’s my favourite. I also like to follow new brands so my style keeps evolving. Saint Laurent, Prada, Alaia, Skims, and Miu Miu are also among my favourites. For handbags, I love Hermès; I’ve been collecting them for a long time. My biggest style inspirations are Audrey Hepburn, Cindy Crawford, Kaia Gerber, and Victoria Beckham…”
C&B: “What is your favourite piece in your wardrobe right now, and why?”
AH: “I do love my AN-Y1 jackets, as you can wear them during the day and in the evening. I also appreciate my Hermès vintage mini Kelly, which I carry most days…”
C&B: “Which special occasions do you really dress up for and which gowns have been your favourites over the years?”
AH: “I always wear a beautiful dress and jewellery for the Amfar gala (Anu pictured above with her husband) at Hotel du Cap every year; also, not long ago I wore a beautiful Indian outfit by Rahul Midhra to the wedding of a good friend. My two all-time favourite dresses over the years have been by Saint Laurent and Anthony Vaccarello…”
This year at the Monaco Grand Prix, Swiss luxury watchmaker TAG Heuer launches the TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph x Gulf (above, centre)…”
City & Beach Lifestyle
C&B: “What are your must-have fashion accessories that you never leave home without?”
AH: “I never leave home without lipgloss, YSL concealer, a hairbrush and my sunglasses.
C&B: “As you travel a great deal, can you share any tips for maintaining a stylish yet comfortable look when on the plane?”
AH: “I wear my own brand tracksuits from AN-Y1, the cashmere or cotton ones. They’re cool and chic as well as being super soft and comfortable. I wear them with stylish sneakers, of course…”
C&B: “Final question, Anu – which are your favourite places around the world to go out, relax and/or entertain friends?”
AH: “I like No 5 Hertford Street, Annabels, China Tang and Harry’s Bar in London; my favourite hotel is The OWO. For hotels overseas, I like the Santa Marina in Mykonos; in Dubai ‘The Bulgari’. The ‘Conca del Sogno’ in the village of Nerano, Capri, is my favourite restaurant…”
C&B: “Thank you, Anu – congratulations on your beautiful collection and have a good day!”
WEBSITE: http://www.an-y1.com
