I have a confession to make: I am an Anthro addict. This company
seriously has my number. I discovered them years ago now on a trip to
visit a friend in Seattle. We were wandering a lovely outdoor shopping
mall and - like a moth to the flame - I found myself inexplicably drawn
into the space. Once inside it was game over. The details, the artistry
and the discovery of the experience had me lost in wonder. An hour flew
by like it was 15 minutes. Since then I've always made it a point to
find the closest Anthropologie store on any trip to the US, knowing that
- even if my budget did not allow much take-home shopping - the
experience and the eye candy would always be inspiring.
Oakville recently joined the ranks of a small but growing number of Canadian stores opened by Anthropologie. Part of the brilliance of the brand is found in the uniqueness of each of their locations, as there is always something new to discover with each store you visit. This is driven in large part by the artists-in-residence who work with tireless creativity to create a sensory experience that is filled with the joy of discovery at every turn. All of the displays you see are uniquely hand-crafted by these in-house artisans, and I think their work is nothing short of inspiring.
Remember last week's post about the colour Tangerine Tango? These sail garlands - hand crafted out of reclaimed paper from old books and magazines - were painted in this succulent blood orange colour and then strung from the ceiling to create beautiful light-play with the sunlight pouring in from the massive windows. Wouldn't this make a delightful installation behind a headboard in a bedroom? I'd forever be dreaming of sailing into the sunset...
One of my favourite displays can be seen right as you walk into the store. Hand-died cotton has been cut into wave patterns and then stitched into this engaging, textured backdrop to showcase the apparel and home furnishings at the front of the store. I feel as if I'm adrift on an azure sea just looking at it!
Wouldn't this make a beautiful canvas somewhere in your home? I think
we'll have to attempt something like this for an upcoming Make Something
Monday.
I just love how this art installation leads the eye to the texture study of this geometric-cut-fabric-backed settee at the front of the store.
This stunning, wood and tiled staircase leads upstairs, drawing you
further into the curated bazaar of beautiful things awaiting your
discovery.
Tomorrow I will share with you some of the delightfully unexpected furniture pieces I found there on a recent visit. Anthropologie really is a treasure-trove of opportunity and inspiration. Can't wait to share more tomorrow!
xo
s.
Labels: addict, Anthropologie, art installation, artisans, artist-in-residence, artistry, bazaar, Canadian, closet, colour, curated, eye candy, hand-crafted, house, Make Something Monday, settee, sunlight, Tangerine Tango
