Though the Made in Kind page on Anthropologie’s website hasn’t updated yet yesterday a bunch of new additions made their debut. June sees a nice mix of summery dresses and hints of fall. Some new designers join the delightful group of capsule constructors.
Leah Reena Goren is such an interesting designer! A recent Parson’s graduate, she’s drawn attention from the likes of Refinery 29 and Oh Joy!, so it’s not much of a surprise to see Anthropologie invite the Brooklyn designer to make a capsule collection. Well done, Anthro. I’m declaring my love for the Balmy Showers Shirtdress ($138) now. Hopefully it lives up to the potential shown online. I hope that future months will bring some of her scarves or paintings to Anthropologie. If you want to see more from Ms. Goren, check out her Etsy shop.
EA has covered Karen Walker in-depth already (here and here), so let me just say that this collection’s designs continue to impress. My closet could easily become all dresses from the Hi There capsule and I’d be delighted each day. From this month’s new arrivals I’m loving the Bird & Bloom Dress ($158)…I hope it shows up in one of the NYC Anthropologies soon so I can try it on. And though it didn’t fit in the grid above, I’m also eager to try the Crimson Ponte Dress ($158). The polyester over silk bums me out, but I understand the design compromise made to lower the price point.
I just love the model they use for these shots! She is styled perfectly. Makes the clothing look so appealing, wouldn’t you agree?
New to Made in Kind in June is Norwegian Wood, a name that brings to mind either the Beatles or Haruki Murakami’s acclaimed novel. Designer Angie Johnson hails from Montreal and typically produces all of her products there too. (And from the looks of it her Anthropologie collection was produced there too.) Norwegian Wood started as an accessories line of leather and fringe goods meant to be worn over other clothing (read more in this Etsy interview from 2009). Since then Ms. Johnson has expanded into clothing inspired by Montreal and its rich history as a manufacturing hub of the north.
The Anthropologie capsule is wonderful and certainly pushing the store forward in terms of design. I love the easy feel of the Layered Lines Tank Dress ($168). It’s not Anthropologie’s normal aesthetic but it works well. I’m more dubious about the Patchwork Graph Romper ($188), which is suggested to pair granny style under the Diaphanous Maxi Skirt ($178). Know your customer, Anthro.
You can see some of Norwegian Wood’s amazing designs on their website press section, and visit her Etsy store here.
Tanvi Kedia is an India-based designer who worked in interior design before turning to fashion. Her mix of pattern and bright color infuses her clothing with feelings of joy! It’s hard not to be happy perusing the items on Anthro’s site. I’m all over the Ombre Chameli Dress ($248) if it comes to any of the NYC stores. “Hippie Deluxe” isn’t exactly my style but I do love the pinks and blues of the capsule. The relaxed silhouettes would be perfect for vacation. Ahhhh, vacation.
If Ms. Kedia has an online store or website I can’t find it; if I can dig up any more information this post will be updated!
Perhaps the most peculiar of the new arrivals come from Florence Baluducci, the Parisian artist who clearly fully embraces quirky design. I admit to not knowing what to make of either the Stiletto Sea Dress ($188) or the Snail Strut Skirt ($98). Both patterns feature feminine legs stuck on animals that wouldn’t normally have them…frankly I’m speechless. I can’t decide if I like them or not, I’m too shocked! Points to Anthro for sparking discussion at least.
Over on the more standard design threshold are the Vintage Military Coats ($348) which feature funky prints livening up an otherwise khaki coat. Could these designs be any further apart?? All I know is I’m intrigued to see more.
What do you think of Friday’s newest arrivals? Are you more excited than by the catalogue shots? Have you purchased any of the Made in Kind items?
