Canape-watch at Anthropologie
If you’ve never been to America before, prepare yourself for a whopping great shock when you first visit Anthropologie which opens in London this week. It’s a fashion store but unlike anything you’ve ever seen. If you thought Selfridges, Dover Street Market and The Shop At Bluebird were temples of loveliness, this place will knock your sequinned Miu Miu socks off. Firstly, the space itself is a beauty to behold. A former Wedgewood store, the building has been gutted and rebuilt with a spectacular staircase and Anthropologie’s signature love-worn fittings slotting nicely into place. A tremendous amount of thought goes into the interior of all Anthropologie’s stores, ensuring each store has its own identity. And when I say a tremendous amount of thought I mean like having a wall made of (according to Grazia) 11,000 plants which are watered via rainwater collected from the roof.
Anthropologie is a fashion store that doesn’t really do ‘fashion’ fashion and that’s exactly what I like about it. It’s a boulder-shoulder free zone! Instead you’ll find preppie blazers with elbow patches, an array of super-skinny jeans (minus the need for fake tears and fading), artfully embroidered cardigans and lots and lots of beautiful costume jewellery merchandised the way only Anthro knows how – piled in multiples. The visual merchandising is the real hero of the show here, there is not a single area where your eyes can rest without feeling inspired. For me, it’s all about the lifestyle elements, the vintage furniture (although don’t expect it to be cheap), rustic quilts, kitchenalia, stationery, won’t-find-anywhere-else books, a display of alarm clocks and a wall handpainted in different shades of green.
And so to the canapes. I was given a sneak preview this afternoon at a press tea party and as expected, this wasn’t just a few platters from Pret. We had cheesecake, we had raspberry tarts, we had sandwiches, we had cupcakes, we had scones … shall I go on? In fact, it’s a shame Anthro doesn’t have its own little cafe but hey, I suppose it’s good to keep us wanting more…
Anthropologie opens on Friday at 158 Regent Street, W1. Only two more sleeps to go….
21 October, 2009 @ 10:11 pm
Gorgeous, gorgeous!! Anthropologie aways my first stop stateside so cannot wait to get in here and start my shopping. The covered plates with the ladies…..so pretty. x
21 October, 2009 @ 10:38 pm
Exciting! I read about Anthropologie, looking forward to checking it out. My Mum's birthday is coming up…
21 October, 2009 @ 10:50 pm
I have that yellow necklace in seafoam! Love Anthro!
21 October, 2009 @ 10:55 pm
I am going to London next week and I'll definitely check it out.
22 October, 2009 @ 7:43 am
So envious! Both you and Susie argh!!
I only get invited to give talks at universities in blogging!!
22 October, 2009 @ 8:44 am
Couldn't go to the launch, but I am totally excited about this.
I am so glad there will finally be a shop that is NOT trend led. I went to Topshop & others yesterday and all I could see were SHOULDERS, STUDS, RIPS AND FRINGING. Where can one find a classic basic? Duh.
22 October, 2009 @ 8:55 am
Wow! Amazing stuff, beautifully displayed. I think it'll do very, very well..!
22 October, 2009 @ 9:21 am
Those treats look amazing! Will definitely be checking this out on Friday. I think I've read about this store – isn't it the 'grown up' version of Urban Outfitters?
22 October, 2009 @ 9:54 am
Peaches & Cream – yes, that's the one. It's owned by the same company as UO but really, it's nothing like it!
Make do – aw shame you couldn't come, it's so you!
22 October, 2009 @ 9:55 am
OK so I'm entitled to be a grumpy old woman about this…didn't go to the launch and have long been a fan of Anthropologie, what with my brother living in New York and all. So think I'm going to post some of my favourite old buys on my blog…..
22 October, 2009 @ 10:08 am
I missed you there – the afternoon spread was amazing, wasn't it? xx
22 October, 2009 @ 12:16 pm
I would like to live in Anthropologie. D'you think they'd mind if I moved in? (I could be like Tom Hanks at that airport…)
What a lovely spread. Was that a Bundt cake I spied? x
22 October, 2009 @ 4:11 pm
it's so gorgeous! feels more like an exhibition than a shop. can't wait to see it!!! love your photos too!
23 October, 2009 @ 4:26 am
They really rolled it all out for that opening. Superb!
23 October, 2009 @ 9:13 am
looks great!
24 October, 2009 @ 8:28 am
Would it make me shallow if I left all my family and friends in Scotland and came to live in London, JUST FOR THIS SHOP??
24 October, 2009 @ 11:13 am
Mmmm the cakes and canapes look amazing and I love the china tea cups -I will have to get down to London to check out the store!
24 October, 2009 @ 11:36 pm
I went to this store today in my little home town. I hate how they try to force feed a lifestyle to you. I'll admit I like it sometimes, but it's peppered with equal parts hate.
25 October, 2009 @ 1:56 pm
I have never visited Anthropologie. Their products seem to be really interesting, a little bit romantic also. Have to see the website and study more :)
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25 October, 2009 @ 3:22 pm
so exciting…the yellow necklace is beautiful. And I think I want a tea set?
xx-LJ from SOS!
26 October, 2009 @ 12:12 am
Would like that UJ quilt . . .
27 October, 2009 @ 7:44 pm
I've read that http://www.observer.com/2009/anthropologie-somehow-rendered-interesting
Anthropologie is boring. Anthropologie is thinking that France is pretty. Anthropopologie is a knee-length floral-print skirt paired with embellished flats. Anthropologie is naming your baby "Emma."
and
Anthro clothes are for women who no longer want to get laid, or who are already dating a boy who isn't interested in sleeping with girls anyway.
http://decorno.blogspot.com/2008/10/anthropologie.html
But I have to say I disagree… it just all looks so beautiful!
PS oooh when did you snag the Paul Smith advertising? Congrats! x
28 October, 2009 @ 5:52 pm
Lucky you!! Anthropologie sure seems like a dream store, I love how unique it is!
And those raspberry tarts made me hungry…so excuse me, Im about to raid grandma's fridge. =P
xoxo