Fashion meets technology

ANY DI has been cooperating with Microsoft since 2017. In the lifetime of the cooperation, some great tech accessories have already been created that no technology lover should miss!

Our designer and CEO Anne Dickhardt speaks with Microsoft about this year's spring trends, the importance of technology in fashion and the long-term cooperation in an exclusive interview.

AS A DESIGNER YOU ARE ALWAYS AT THE PULSE OF FASHION AND ALWAYS A STEP AHEAD OF THE TRENDS. WHAT DO YOU THINK WE WILL SEE THIS SPRING ON THE STREETS? WHICH COLORS AND IT-PIECES WILL MAKE THE CUT?

After the grey and monotonous winter months, people long for colours that spread good mood and for clothes that are comfortable. As cuddly as a thick down coat may be, at some point it's easy enough and we want to show more of what's „Underneath“ again.

Spring is therefore the time every year when people present their new wardrobe with a little more courage. The jeans remains a favorite and we will see them again in all kinds of washings and combinations.

But also floral prints and exotic patterns on dresses, blouses and trousers will set the tone this spring. When it comes to the materials for bags and accessories, fashion insiders are looking for strong canvas/strong patterns.

The natural material is extremely popular and looks nobleespecially in combination with leather.

The smartphone remains our most loyal companion. Whether at work, at university or on the playground – the most important aspect is that we have it in our hands quickly, when we need it. In addition to the cord cases, the latest trend are  PhoneBags which are also very practical because they can be used to store other things like money, keys and lipstick.

TECHNOLOGIES ARE CURRENTLY NOT ONLY A PART OF OUR WORK AND DAILY ROUTINE, BUT HAVE A HUGE IMPACT ON THE FASHION WORLD. WHAT IMPACT DO TECHNOLOGIES HAVE ON YOUR DESIGN PROCESS?

For me, the way people use technology in their everyday lives is crucial.
For example, I follow with great passion which technological products come onto the market, how they enrich our everyday life and how they integrate into it.

In our bags we carry laptops, charger cables, ear phones, pens, business cards and so on; and sometimes also the small canteen for in between. Everything has to be ready and easy to find. This requires order and an understanding of which devices we cannot do without and carry with us at all times. At the same time we do not want to do without comfort and aesthetics. Functionality and design complement each other in all my collections. My credo: harmony instead of compromise.

YOU HAVED WORKED WITH MICROSOFT FOR SOME YEARS AND DESIGN BAGS FOR THE SURFACE LAPTOPS. WHAT PROJECT HAVE YOU ENJOYED THE MOST AND WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE OF THE COLLECTION?

The cooperation with Microsoft is a milestone in my career as a designer and it makes me happy every time to be part of this incredible team. The meeting with Ralf Groene last year for the launch of the Surface Earbuds was the cherry on top. What an incredibly inspiring personality! And yet he is incredibly down-to-earth and approachable. We also talked about my designs, which impressed him very much. A really great moment!

It's hard for me to name a favorite part, because every product tells a very specific story. The first collaboration with the Bag L  remains unforgotten. It is still one of our bestsellers and my dream companion.

The SleeveBag is wonderfully spacious and is also used regularly by my boyfriend. The ideal product for the man! And the TechBag can also be quickly stored in my suitcase when travelling - yet I always have everything quickly at hand. Perfect!

„Although we make computer hardware and not haute couture, there are many similarities. The choice of colours and materials is more than just decorative aspects for us. We want to enable people to express their personality. That's why we offer, for example, sandstone as a new color option for a  surface laptop" mentioned surface designer Ralf Groene in an interview with Anne Dickhardt last year in Berlin. The Surface Laptop in sandstone is definitely the perfect companion for all our fashion and trend conscious ANY DIvas. The perfect match for the springtime!