2010 has been a WOW!! year for Anthropologie catalogues. After a somewhat lackluster 2009 they’ve sent their (lucky duck) models and photogs to scenic locations far and wide that make me want to buy not only the clothing but also a ticket to Anthro’s 2010 worldwide tour.
Location: Airavatesvara TempleIn this shot: Faint Lines Tee ($48), Whirling Plaid Sunhat ($68)
& Countless Steps Wide-Legs ($88)
May finds the flowy in India. I have two friends who split their time between NYC and Mumbai and for a couple of years now they’ve been inviting me to come back with them to tour India. This catalogue makes me want to take them up on their invitation even more.
Thanks to Anonymous in the comments section of the May catalogue preview post who was kind enough to identify several locations. I took some educated guesses on a few other shots — if anyone is able to confirm or quash my guesses please leave a comment. Did you get your cataogue yet? Which shot is your favorite? Any must-have items? I know I’m personally in love with the entire look on p.21 (shown above). Eye candy below and more to follow in another post late this afternoon.
Location: Tamil Nadu(Fort Dansborg?)In this shot: Height of Summer Dress ($98), Cool Brush Scarf ($48, worn as belt),
Chiseled Drop Necklace ($38) & Grazing Caterpillar Booties ($178)
Location: Rajasthan HavelisIn this shot: Sandbar Curtain ($208-$268) & Rising Atoll Curtain ($138-$198)
Thank you May 1st Anon@2:28 for your knowledge of India & Roxy for posting the mini-guide! I sortof wish that Anthro would start to include a little more information on the sites that they shoot at. Maybe a simple building name or so thrown in every now and then. Or perhaps build a little more narrative to go w/ the shots? There's definitely enough white space in their catalogs for it. I wouldn't mind a little edumacation to go with my catalogs and I'm sure its something the 'Anthro Woman' would appreciate. I still haven't received my catalog, has anyone in the Seattle area gotten theirs yet?
Beautiful catalogue, though I really hate how Imperialist and classist it seems. Pretty white girl standing in front of native people with the native people used as simply a backdrop. I hate that in fashion and I have no idea why they keep doing it. People in poverty are never a suitable background, even if the local is "exotic".
Anon @ 12:31, I thought exactly the same thing when I was looking through the catalog! Don't get me wrong, the photos are gorgeous as they always are, but sometimes it looks like they use the locals like they are props or accessories…ugh
Hmm, Anons at 12:31 and 12:47. I see your point though I hadn't given it much consideration before. It's kind of a no-win situation for Anthro though. If they had shown the clothes on locals the argument might be, why show locals in the fancy western clothing? So I wonder what the expectation is — should they only be allowed to shoot in the USA? Or leave locals out of exotic location photos? I hope you don't take this as argumentative because your points of view are valid to me.
Roxy, I have a question about the Anthro emails, I have the card but I never get those monthly emails you post or the surveys, how do I enable that?
Julie, when you log into your account at anthropologie.com there is a menu on the left hand side. Click on "my account" and look for email preferences. I have everything checked. Checking those boxes does not guarantee you'll receive a survey. Anthropologie's marketing company selects from the list, I have no idea what criteria they use.
Thanks Roxy!And sorry for going off topic guys!
Hi everyone,I am a 2nd generation Indian, born & brought up in India.As an executive with India's largest tour Operator ( 16 yrs ago) I had actually traveled & stayed at some of the hotels mentioned in the email Anthro sent with the slideshow on " India through a lens" recently.I can honestly say, the catalog is neither imperialist nor classist. The "Locals" are quintessential to depicting the immense diversity that India is made up of.How can one depict culture without images of it's people?I found te slideshow to be as evocative as India is.I was in tears & deeply missing India by the 4th shot I think.Even the 2nd generation Indians born in America cannot really know India unless they have lived there…..or at least gone back each year for a month or two at a time traveled places & seen these sights for themselves.India is a deep & complex…yet very simplistic.It evokes extreme emotions …one either loves it or hates it.Roxy…a visit to India will leave you with an impression…one way or the other…I suggest plan a trip to see no more than 1-2 places at a time ( within a region).Email me if you have any questions. ….I traveled with my counnterparts from Europe & South Asia to Rajasthan ( where part of the MAy catalog is shot)….the catalog shows Udaipur,Jaipur ) , Goa ( where the boats are shown) & other places where some of the ancient temples still look the same.Not all of the catalog is shot in South India …..temples shown ( Tamil Nadu) Sorry for the long post….could not resist responding. This was too close to home :)Shalu
BTW, I forwarded the slideshow email to almost everyone I know connected or interested in me & my cultural background.I was so proud & moved by the obvious emotional investment of time & effort by Anthro.Plus each photo seems to say something.Maybe that could be a strt for anyone eventually wanting to visit India :)Shalu
Shalu,the boat shots are definitely Kerala, especially men with veshtis (= dhotis, worn sarong like, tied around the waist) worn by men down south than in Goa!). Keralan beaches are much more "native" than Goan ones, in my humble opinion. While Orange/saffron color veshtis are not for daily use, they are often used during pilgrimages (to Aiyappa temple in Sabarimala, for example)
Ok, I love this blog, the Anthro catalogs, etc, but their clothes just do not fit me that well. What is a second-favorite store for those of you who love the Anthro look but just can't make the clothing work (assuming it isn't just me).
Beautiful pictures and it looks like most of the pictures were taken in Tamil Nadu. I just noticed and appreciate that all the temple shots were kept true in that the models are barefoot. Well done Anthro
Roxy, and Anons–thanks for bringing up this catalog. I too, was blown completely away, by the beauty, the obvious deep history, the intricacy shown and unseen.Shalu, I was so interested in what you had to say, given your background. Thanks so much for taking the time to articulate it–I also found the video compilation by Ami Vitale (http://www.amivitale.com/2009/08/mirages/) that was posted on the Anthro facebook page. I found it breathtaking. -sheliaanthrolife.blogspot.com
I just returned from a month in India, and wished I were back there when I saw the photos. The shot with the hammock is indeed from Jaipur, but not from the Amber Fort. It is from the City Palace, where the Maharaja lives.
Shalu – thank you for your perspective! I agree that planning one or two sites for a trip is probably all I could handle, especially since I'd want time to fully explore. Guess multiple trips to India might be in order!Anon @ 5:20 – I would suggest brands like Nanette Lepore, Rebecca Taylor, Ella Moss, Nicole Miller, Elizabeth & James, Catherine Malandrino and Alice + Olivia if you like Anthro's style but not the fit. Those are some brands in a similar vein but with varying cuts. As for specific stores, I think Nordstrom does a comparable job of carrying Anthrolite in their tbd and savvy departments.Sheila, thank you for sharing the link!Anon @ 8:20 PM – ah, thank you for the correction.