Knotted Poppies Dress ($158) &Architecture fans were probably drooling over the April Anthropologie catalogue’s locations just as much as the clothes. I know I was! Anthro is spoiling us — this is two straight catalogues featuring exotic, geometric locales.
This time around the location is Rio de Janeiro and the buildings are the work of Oscar Niemeyer. I am most familiar with Niemeyer’s United Nations Headquarters right here in NYC but much of his modern jaw-droppers are located in South America, and Brazil especially.
From greatbuildings.com:
Oscar Niemeyer was born in Rio de Janeiro Brazil in 1907. He graduated from the Escola Nacional de Belas Artas in Rio de Janeiro in 1934, and in 1935 he joined the office of Lucio Costa. In 1936 he joined the team of Brazilian architects collaborating with Le Corbusier on a new Ministry of Education and Health in Rio de Janeiro. This proved a formative experience for Niemeyer.
In 1942, Niemeyer created a series of recreational buildings which borrowed extensively from the expressive Brazilian Baroque style of architecture. In 1956 Niemeyer was appointed architectural adviser to Nova Cap – an organization charged with implementing Lucio Costa’s plans for Brazil’s new capital. The following year, he became its chief architect, designing most of the city’s important buildings. The epoch of Niemeyer’s career, these buildings mark a period of creativity and modern symbolism.
Niemeyer continued to work on Brazilia until 1964 when his political affiliation with the communist party forced him into exile in France. In the late 1960s he resumed his career in Brazil, teaching at the University of Rio de Janeiro and working in private practice. He was awarded the Gold Medal of the American Institute of Architecture in 1970.
National Congress of Brazil, Brasília(photo credit)
I am not sure where the beautiful natural portion of the catalogue was shot. My initial guess was Arches National Park in Utah but if we’re going with a South American theme that wouldn’t hold up. Any guesses?
Ode to Pollen Rug ($2998), Ecureuil Plate ($24),Petite Fille Plate ($24), Champignons Plate($24),
Francophile Dinner Plate, Kingfisher ($24) & Francophile Dinner Plate, Dog ($24)
It’s been awhile since we’ve gotten a true home catalogue from Anthropologie — 2007 was the last one if memory serves. That makes April a double-axis treat. Here’s what Anthropologie had to say on their Facebook page:
For those of you who receive our catalog (or perhaps pick up a copy in our stores), you’re in for a real treat this month, as April is essentially two books in one. Our creative director’s vision was to create a fashion-focused book that “flipped” to a home book—so be sure to turn that catalog of yours inside out and upside down to get acquainted with the section entitled “Utility + Craft,” as it highlights exclusive housewares that resulted from our relationships with the following artists: Samantha Robinson, Vera Neumann, Stacie Albano, Sarah Ashley Longshore, Trey Speegle, Nathalie Lété, and Shelley Hesse.
In my mind they exceeded expectations! Not only is the book filled with inspirational apartment layouts, it’s also inventive in presentation. From rooms flipped on an angle to rugs framed as art I’ve never wanted so many pieces for myself. (It’s a good thing my square footage is limited to keep myself in check.)
Ring of Asters Bedding ($58-$268)And of course there are still the beautiful bedding shots, including the Ring of Asters set above that I would love to make mine. I hope that Anthropologie receives a lot of positive feedback about the home book — I’d love to see this kind of dedicated feature quarterly.
I think some of the later shots in the catalog were taken at the Lake Powell area. I know the picture with the pencilled ambronia skirt is in a slot canyon and I have a similar picture of me in this canyon when my husband and I went there. Or I could just be totally wrong!
Hi Roxy, that first picture is the "Museu de Arte Contemporânea" (a friend of mine has a picture here. It's in Niteroi, which is a city across the bay Guanabara (baía de Guanabara) from Rio. From there you have beautiful views from Rio.Can you believe that Oscar Niemeyer is 101 and is still working???
I have so much respect for Niemeyer and it was a pleasant surprise to see his work in an Anthro catalog. Marcela is right! The shot of the girl in the dress was taken at the museum of contemporary art in Niteroi, a municipality of Rio de Janeiro. I've been there and the architecture is jaw dropping…would love to visit Brasilia someday just to see more of his work! I also recognize the shot at Ipanema beach with Sugarloaf mountain. Brasil is amazing-the people are warm and friendly and I recommend everyone visit if they can. I'm craving a refreshing Acai drink now!
I'd really love a more regular home catalogue as well. I only browse the home section when I have tons of free time (which is not too often) and I'd like to see the gorgeous pieces highlighted in a catalogue for sure!