04 December, 2017
While most designers start their own brand with a fashion degree and years of experience under their belt, Anine Bing didn't need much more than her personal style and a confidence about what a contemporary woman wants in her wardrobe. Her answer? Wearable, timeless pieces that suit all body types. Blending Scandi cool with Cali boho-chic and hint of je ne sais quoi, Bing achieves this with looks that are casual but never underdressed.
Always with the everyday woman in mind, the self-taught designer and creative director of her eponymous label marries edginess with femininity, showing us how to wear boots year-round and take the laid-back look from day to night. Given that her CV also includes model and singer, it's no surprise that the entrepreneur's Instagram has become a source of inspiration for over 500k followers looking to steal her style. Within five years, the 34-year-old's line has taken the fashion world by storm, counting Kate Bosworth and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley among her clients. It's easy to understand why - Bing's signature constellation of simple tees, sleek leather jackets and denim jeans make you look like you've got it together.
Born in Denmark, Bing spent her childhood in Sweden before living and working in London, Stockholm, Los Angeles, Hamburg and Johannesburg. Following her first modelling stint at the age of 15, the world soon fell for her style which she documented on her blog, Anine's World. With no signs of slowing down at her LA headquarters, we couldn't think of anyone better to give us insider tips on tinsel town's hottest spots.
Anything is possible.
Growing up in Scandinavian countries where the winters are intense, you can't beat the LA lifestyle; life is very easy. It's also an amazing place to start a business, and has a creative and inclusive community. LA is its own little fashion capital and I'm happy we launched our brand here. The city also has an aesthetic I'm really drawn to - there's nothing more classic than that breezy Californian look with T-shirts and jeans. It's so all-American and very much my style.
It's casual, effortless and cool. There's nothing better than an LA girl with her vintage denim, white tee and free-spirited air. She has something as special as the classic Parisian or Scandinavian.
In LA, people are so relaxed with their style. Our brand is a mix of the two places because there's that classic Scandinavian palette of all black-and-white, very crisp, polished and clean. LA has more grunge to it: the raw denim, sneakers, studs and rock 'n' roll - like the city's 90s music scene. I also think that people in LA are a bit more free and open; Scandinavian culture is more reserved. And then, of course, there's the weather...
It starts early for my husband and I as we need to get the children up and ready for school. Luckily, I also have a few go-to uniforms for myself - whatever we've launched recently mixed with jeans, T-shirts, leather jackets and boots - and only need about five minutes to do my make-up. I then make smoothies for the children and drop them off at school. What happens after that depends on the day, but it's a mix of meetings at the office, stopping by our West Third store and shoots on location at our home. At the end of the day, I pick the children up and we spend quality time together.
I'm currently loving Clare Vivier. She's a friend and such an inspiration - I admire all of her branding.
I think metallics are having a moment which we're all about. A pop of shine and glitter is just so much fun.
Classic and effortless with an edge.
LA is a magical place. It gets a bad reputation but it's such a happy, beautiful city. There's so much history, glamour and inspiration; beautiful architecture, palm trees everywhere, mountains, people with great styles, or just the light. No matter where I go, I feel inspired on a daily basis. The streets in Downtown for example - where we work and shot our autumn campaign- have such an intense energy. The photos we took there are my favourite.
For breakfast I like the outdoor patio at Chateau Marmont. Nothing can beat eating at home with my family at the weekends though, making pancakes in our pyjamas. For lunch, we love Alcove in Los Feliz, or Joan's on Third. We usually eat dinner at home but we also like Pace or Café Stella in Silver Lake.
Alfred, Intelligentsia and Blue Bottle are both great.
I love Covell in Los Feliz - it's cute and charming.
The Rose Bowl Flea Market. I try to go every month.
Hike Griffith Park to see the city from the observatory up there. The Broad in Downtown LA is the perfect place to take out-of-town visitors, while El Matador Beach in Malibu is another must.
There's a lot to discover in Downtown and the Arts District, but most people who visit LA don't make it to these parts of town. They're very creative and full of galleries, museums and restaurants. Right now, the best place to visit is Hauser & Wirth. There's a restaurant inside called Manuela that you should definitely visit.
Santa Barbara. We just did a camping trip there and it's the perfect getaway from the buzz.
At home, having a cup of coffee and lounging around our sunny house spending time with the children. Or at one of the Korean spas getting a massage and body scrub.
I'm biased but it has to Copenhagen, though right now I'm loving my trips to New York.
A pair of sneakers because LA has so many beautiful hikes, especially within Griffith Park.
