WARNING: PHOTO-HEAVY POST.
Anthropologie’s store Fashion Show season is in full swing. Last week I attended the Short Hills, NJ Anthropologie’s show and this week it was a quick subway ride to my home store, Soho, for their turn parading customer and staff models down the catwalk.
Cora Patterned Trousers ($118).
Jacquard Fan Shorts ($98), Rambutan Necklace ($268).
As part of Manhattan’s below-the-numbered-streets shopping neighborhood that attracts the hip, the rich and the tourists equally, Anthropologie’s Soho location tends to carry the trendiest items. It features outfits that are stacked with accessories and play with proportion. Of course this being New York City the store also features outfits and items that tend to push the boundaries of quirk and pattern mixing. The expansive single-level store was Anthro’s first location in New York City and is housed in a former spice storage warehouse. (Most Soho buildings have a very cool history.) With my office just a few blocks away this is the Anthropologie store I frequent.
It was no surprise that the crowd for Thursday night’s event quickly filled. The store ended up taking about 50 extra RSVPs. I’m eternally grateful to Kelly from Anthropologie’s home office for helping me get on the list. I would have been very sad to miss out!
Walking down West Broadway from Spring St, I arrived to find a line up the sidewalk to get in to the store. There was an amateur comedian in line behind me who was (oh so loudly) trying to impress his date by throwing shade but just came off as a smug jackass. Luckily the line moved quickly and once inside we were directed to one of five staffers who took our coats, checked us in and gave us our raffle tickets. I quickly broke out my camera to take some ambiance photos.
Midway into the store a long table was set up and stacked high with delights. Macarons, lollipops, wine, prosecco, water and Perrier were all available to guests. Attendees grabbed a bite and then drifted around the store to check out the latest arrivals. The NYC stores get up to 5 deliveries a week so there’s always something new in-store.
C. DeVone DJ’ed the event. Sugar Hill Gang’s “Apache” was playing as we arrived. I could not have asked for a better entrance song.
The runway was a long raised platform in the middle of the store. I love that it’s a raised catwalk — makes it much easier to see the outfits no matter which row of seats you’re in. The seats were in a U-shape around the runway about 5 rows deep. I set up behind the seats and felt really, really tall. Good for taking photos above people’s heads; potentially disastrous for anyone behind me.
In no time at all it was time for outfits! James, the store manager welcomed everyone. The crowd was downright electric. During the show there were plenty of whoops and cheers for the models. Clapping and photos too.
Let’s start the show…
Indrani Gem Sandals ($98), ??? necklace.
Monforte Hat ($38), Elephant Salute Necklace ($138).
Giltwork Pin-Fringe Clutch ($78), Dotted West Scarf ($118) worn as hair wrap.
Baka Cut Slingbacks ($168).
Hammered Orbits Strand ($38), Archer Sandals ($69), Whippoorwill Floppy Hat ($38).
Nubuck Gladiator Wedges ($148).
The ankle closure is pretty narrow — just barely fit me. You’ll want to buy these in-store
if possible; the glue was showing on a couple of pairs I saw in the store.
Jasper & Jeera Clutch ($68, not online), Trichromatic T-Straps ($128).
Abbott Wedges ($188), Pearly Strand ($58) x 2.
Striped Empire Day Dress (now $79), ??? bag.
Monochrome Deco Pendant ($38), Prana Clutch ($128).
Rambutan Necklace ($268), Hansel Heels ($158).
Gwen Loafers ($88), ??? bag.
Handbeaded Flamingo Clutch ($68), ??? shoes.
AG Stevie Roll-Up ($162), Baka Cut Slingbacks ($168).
Sunset Spectrum Clutch ($48), Baka Cut Slingbacks ($168).
Morley Pouch ($168), Pico Flatforms ($148).
Which look is your favorite? My vote goes to Outfit #5! That Corey Lynn Calter blouse has my name on it.
After the runway show concluded, Christina from Anthropologie’s home office came out to chat up the crowd. As Anthropologie’s Head Personal Shopper, Christina had helped style the show and talked about some key trends for spring.
Guests were then free to mill about. I tried on a few items which will be reviewed next week. Better yet, I got to meet and catch up with several EA community members — always a blast!! Before running back to work for the late shift I snapped a few photos of staffers and attendees in Anthropologie:
Left: Spacing on the name! Community, help me out.
Right: Dakota Shirtdress (now $70, review).
Thanks to the Soho staff for putting on a fantastic show! And thanks to Anthropologie’s home office and the amazing community team for the invite. Community, which looks do you love?