Eye Candy: Anthropologie’s Soho Spring Fashion Show

Every Anthropologie event should be like the one I attended on Wednesday night! I attended the Spring Fashion show on Wednesday night at the Soho Anthropologie here in NYC. This is part of the in-store fashion shows Anthro has been doing each season at select stores around the country. And Wednesday night was pretty much perfect.

I’m always tickled when these invitations land in my inbox! I was impressed with how the event had been redesigned since the holiday show. This time around the models were not only Anthropologie employees, there were customers modeling too. I think that’s a terrific hook. All of the customer-models effectively got a personal shopping appointment while Jeff Banks, the head personal shopper for the NYC stores (and our Styled with Anthro head consultant) picked out the right look for each model. And then each model told their friends, who came to the event and made their own personal shopping appointment. I was excited to invite Keenan from the Styled with Anthro series to be one of the models. (Usha was sadly not available.)

And oh yeah, I got to be one of those customer-models. Squee!

Jeff did an incredible job picking out looks for each model. Backstage many of the customers came to the same conclusion I did — I wasn’t really into this season’s pieces, but seeing how they can work together in an outfit helped open my eyes to the possibilities! I’m still not in love with Anthro’s Spring line (sadly) but now at least I’m starting to see more pieces that will work in my wardrobe.

The event started with hors d’oeuvres and a fantastic DJ setting the mood. The fashion show itself took place right on the floor, where a bunch of racks had been moved to create a runway. The audience sat on either side in simple white chairs. After the show Christina from Anthropologie’s home office spoke about the focus of the line this year (long skirts and an emphasis on tops) and all the models mingled with the crowd before eagerly deciding what to buy for the night. It was low-key, it was fun, and I had a great time. I got to meet several community members which is always a thrill! The Soho store did a fabulous job hosting and running the event. Have you attended any Anthropologie in-store events or fashion shows?

Of course I took a bunch of photos. A huge thanks as well to Harriet, Soho’s personal shopper, who snapped some shots of the runway show with my camera while I was waiting to walk. Select shots are below and you can see the full set here. Coming up later today I’ll unveil a Polyvore collection with many of the show’s looks. A few of the pieces we wore aren’t online yet but I will continue updating as they appear. I owe a lot of the great photos to Tara of Little Girl Big Closet, whose wonderful photo tutorial series helped me immensely. Thank you Tara!!

How do you get invited to these events? It’s easy — if you chat with your local personal shopper, they can get you on the list. I’ve spoken about how great the personal shoppers are before but I’ll say it again: they’re fantastic! There’s no charge to set up an appointment and they don’t work on commission. So they’re only focused on making sure you’re happy. You’d be surprised at the items you end up liking even if you never would have picked it yourself. It’s fun to do with friends too!

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Setting up the runway.

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The models chat backstage.

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Jeff preps one of the model’s looks.

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My favorite look of the night: The Antilles Tank ($68) worn backwards 
with the Ackee Pencil Skirt ($138), the Mellifluous Cinch Sandals ($118) 
and the Sumerian Belt ($58). The model reports the sandals were TTS and comfy!

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In this outfit: the Free Skate Blouse ($248) with the J Brand Gigi Crops ($158), 
the Daily Brights Satchel ($188) and a scarf I don’t see online.
Not shown: the shoes, which were the Floral Fandango Heels ($188).

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On the left model: Gathered Hemlock Dress ($148) 
with the Marble-Carved Peep Toes ($178) and the Shaggy Bouquet Clutch ($198).
On the center model: Budding Dahlia Dress ($248) 
with Burnished Mesh Belt ($32) worn backwards and Usekh Necklace ($48). 
Shoes are the Embroidered Frequencies Platforms ($588). 
On the right model: Crisp Chambray Blazer ($88) over Light On Petals Cami ($58) 
and Rugged Roll-Up Shorts ($298). With Dearie Me Wedges ($150),  
Lavender Era Bag ($78) and Nuances Necklace ($48).

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Ashley, who is Chelsea Market’s Personal Shopper;
yours truly, and Jeff Banks.

See the full set of photos here.


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