Anthromollogies.com

When speaking with Blanquita about the show, (she’s the Visual Manager fabuloso at our store, and also the owner/creative genius of Bonjour Biqui!), I found myself deeply interested in the concept, design, and decisions that go into “the making of an Anthropologie runway show”.

Blanquita explained that the show’s concept “was based on ‘Surf Lodge‘, “our theme for our apparel this summer season. Surf Lodge is inspired by a sleepy beach getaway on Montauk, Long Island.  The look is bohemian meets preppy (think flowy maxi dress, layered beaded necklaces, and sandals paired with a preppy blazer).”

Every fashion show tells a story, and Anthropologie’s show was no different. The colors included:

*Vivid tangerine hues balanced by indigo and blue.
*Citrus pops such as yellows and greens.
*Punchy black and white graphics.

As for the vibe: It was all about sophisticated summer outfitting. 

Per Blanquita: “The styling incorporated accessories that helped tell the story- big straw hats, sunglasses, wedge sandals, and layered necklaces.  We focused on maxi length dresses, shorts, and summer blouses. The mood was light, airy, and colorful.  The mindset: laid back and relaxed, but never dull.”

So, how did they decide the order of the models, especially when relating to telling a story?

“We started by really understanding the Surf Lodge theme and feel, then went on to select the best outfits for the individual models (i.e. which outfit best suited the models body type, coloring, and personality).  After finding the right match, we put the outfits in color and style order on our racks and looked at the flow of our styling.  We took care that each look was unique but also fit in with our overall theme and made sure to edit/add to each look as needed.  We also kept some looks simple to balance out the more dramatic moments.”

The goal of the show?

“There are lots of gatherings and activities taking place in our customer’s lives.  Keeping in mind that life is a balance, we used a variety of options throughout the show to inspire various aspects of an [imaginary] wardrobe.  From the beach to backyard bbqs, we wanted to show options that could whisk our [Anthropologie Woman] away, no matter what the occasion.”

How much freedom did the store have to make decisions about the show?

“Quite a bit!  We had some great direction from home office in terms of Surf Lodge outfitting examples, but we were able to do the majority of the event planning at the store level.”

Was the backdrop/gift toppers of colored glue chips decision made at headquarters or was that your own visual team’s concept?

“The large scale glue display idea came from our home office display team and was built by our store display coordinator (Joseph) with support from our entire team.  However, the idea for the thank you gift topper came from our store manager, Kristi.  She is so great with details!”

What’s your favorite moment/memory of the show?

“I loved how much FUN the models had on the runway.  It was truly a thrill to see our store associates and customers beaming.” I second that. It was a really FUN show!

I want to send another HUGE thank you out to Blanquita for indulging our inquiring minds, and to the entire store/team….BRAVO, ladies! You all did a smashing job! Blanquita added, “We were all so pleased and proud of the event on so many levels. It was a true team effort, with every person in our store contributing. We are hoping to begin plans for a fall/holiday show soon!”

After the show, the store kindly rewarded us catwalkers with a one-time 25% coupon. My mama taught me to never ignore a sale, so I went a-huntin’ and found a few treasures

Two items I bought were already on hold for me:  The Swizzle Stripe Tunic and Braided Twill Trousers.

I’m pretty sure Anthro couldn’t release a more perfect top this summer than the Swizzle Stripe Tunic. It’s Fan-freaking-tastic. It’s sized generously though, so I fear the petite amongst us may be disappointed. I’m wearing an XS here.

The Braided Twill Trousers are like butter on your butt. Seriously comfy, and totally flattering. Last year Hei Hei released pants very similar to these, and I bought two colors. The night of the fashion show, I made myself put down the blue color and walk away before someone got hurt. I will wait for sale on the blue.

I also picked these up for myself and for a friend (who’s making a valance out of them….I die! Serious! So cute, right?!):

And a ‘lil something to motivate me in the kitchen….

My waist couldn’t be left out either. This belt fills a hole in my collection, that indecipherable yellow-tan-brown color that flows many an outfit together.

Last, but certainly not least, my ears. They needed some sugar too.

 

I certainly didn’t let that 25% go to waste! Just doing my duty…:)

Hope you enjoyed the last bit of fashion show eye candy! I certainly want to check into Surf Lodge ASAP, what about you?!

xoxo

Molly