Cultural Diary: Anna Park
Anna Park, founder of boutique ANNA, talks to India Doyle about her cultural diary
ANNA is a shop with character. This is thanks to the shop founder, Anna Park. With her foray into fashion commencing in Norfolk, Anna opened her first store in 1993. The shop was a smash hit, catering to the countryside dwellers hankering after a slice of urban glamour.
In the wake of this success Park went on to open another boutique, this time in trendy area of London, Primrose Hill. Today the shop, ANNA, stocks an extensive range of established designer labels (By Malene Birger, Elizabeth and James) and lesser known brands (Duffy, Sea NY). Whilst boutique is home to strong edit of the latest trends, what solidifies the shop as a must visit is the recognisable voice of the edit.“There’s only one way” says Anna Park, “and that’s the Anna way”. Clothes are the focus, but customers are invited to buy into the lifestyle that the boutique embodies as well. This has proven to be an effective method, and 'the Anna way' has achieved a cult following. Loyal customers return month on month to peruse the new offerings and catch up with the owner.
There's also a friendly, considered service which encourages women not just to follow the trends but to embrace clothes that make them feel their best. “My customers are intelligent”, Anna says, “we are not following behind people…. We are very unique and individual in what we do.”
An empowered ethos and a fashion forward lifestyle to her name, Anna Park spoke to Culture Whisper's India Doyle about what she's enjoying in London this winter.
FASHION
CW: Whose collections stand out for you this season?
AP: For Coats, Woolrich. We have a new brand called Femme by Michele Rossi, the coats have amazing silk lining. I love the Philip Riedel trainers. Elizabeth James, because I love how the brand is consistently feminine and androgynous at the same time, they have great accessories too. Inexpensive Danish brands are always wonderful too, like Selected Femme.
CW: What three pieces are on your Autumn Winter wishlist?
AP: DVF fur rabbit blue jacket, Romper by Sea NY and high tops, I love the high tops with a heel!
CW:What is your signature style?
AP: A bit car crash couture, I like print on print.
CW: Top fashion do’s and don’ts?
AP: Never dress your age, dress for the occasion, and be confident in what you wear.
CULTURAL DIARY
CW: Which cultural events have you booked over the next few months?
AP: Fashion dinner at The Bank, and I want to make more use of the Roundhouse.
CW: Which gallery or museum do you find yourself drawn to time and again?
AP: The Truman gallery
CW: What was the last book you read?
AP: We are completely besides ourselves, Karen Joy Fowler. I love reading, it’s a big passion of mine.
CW: What’s your favourite street in London and why?
AP: Regents Park Road. It’s like a village for me, you bump into everyone you know, it’s a little bit of country.
Shop at ANNA:
1246, Regent's Park Road, London NW1 8XL
Read more fashion and lifestyle tips from Anna on her blog, Park in Primrose
