If you’re not spending your weekends counting down to the pinnacle of automotive sport and tuning into F1 (and if you’re not, why not?), rest assured you’re never too far from automotive infiltration. The need for speed is taking over the culture right now, and fashion brand AN-Y1 is simply shifting up the gears.
Pronounced ‘Anyone’, this independent outlier, co-founded by Anu Hinduja (who also serves as the brand’s Creative Director) and her sister Nandita Mahtani, set out to seamlessly fuse the adrenaline-fuelled spirit of motorsport with contemporary fashion, creating a new definition of sports-luxe.
Born in Monaco (a promised land for all things automotive, of course) and crafted in London, AN-Y1 draws deep inspiration from vintage racing culture. The brand taps into the nostalgia of motorsport’s golden age – think roaring engines, leather-clad racers, and iconic trackside style – while infusing it with modern sophistication. At the heart of the collection are statement pieces like buttery-soft leather jackets tailored for women, sleek bombers, and bold denim flag jackets that capture both edge and elegance.
What sets AN-Y1 apart is its ability to reinterpret traditional racing aesthetics into wearable luxury. It’s not just about mimicking motorsport style; it’s about reimagining it. The silhouettes are clean yet powerful, the materials opulent yet functional. But beyond that, every piece tells a story of speed and resilience – a nod to the long-standing phenomenon humans have with hitting the gas.
Anu Hinduja’s creative vision injects the brand with a distinctive energy that feels both fearless and refined. Drawing from a background steeped in European glamour and London’s urban grit, her design approach is globally informed yet deeply personal. Under her direction, AN-Y1 doesn’t just respond to trends – it redefines them, proving that while the current fascination with motorsport style may be having a moment, its influence and cross-pollination with the fashion world has long-standing roots.
The resurgence of motorsport in pop culture, from Formula 1’s Netflix fame to celebrity pit-lane appearances, has primed the fashion world for this high-octane influence. AN-Y1 is capitalising on that momentum, creating garments that speak to both motorsport enthusiasts and fashion-forward individuals who crave something different.
In a world increasingly driven by aesthetic storytelling, AN-Y1 has found its lane at the intersection of speed and style. By blending the daring essence of vintage racing with luxurious craftsmanship, the brand is not just making clothes; it’s driving a movement.
Words – Scarlett Baker
