Interactive Storytelling at Anthropologie

It’s been interesting to follow fashion’s toe-dip into the digital sphere. While the translation over the past few years has been a bumpy ride for many (some food for thought here as to why), some brands keep innovating, infusing their gift of storytelling through interactive mediums. Currently, Anthropologie is sharing it’s pattern, color and scale story through poetry-like pins.

Directing the eye using bright focal points, a la Lifestyle Mirror, each of Anthro’s home spreads teaches the reader more about the creative process. The patterned page reads like a styling mantra.

Sometimes, a pattern simply speaks to you. Choose a single spot for your print focus- a sofa, a papered wall, an area rug- and use a complementary solid color as a backdrop, and that pattern will do more than speak. It’ll sing.

April 17, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

Holiday Gift Guide for Him

Men care style just as much as women- though their interest is often veiled with a hint of indifference. From home decorating to business appropriate to carefully curated tunes, we’ve got you covered this season. From iCufflinks for your tech start-up boyfriend to Penguin Prison for your friend who rallied at Occupy Wall Street, here’s the latest and greatest.

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December 22, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Follow-Up: Cityscapes & Laser Cutting

In July, these pens were front and center, presenting a tubular cityscape for graphic enthusiasts to admire. This Fall, this lasercut skirt from Anthropologie represents a beautiful translation of 2D styles into 3D product. While waiting to get into the Rag & Bone sample sale at Chelsea Market yesterday, I perused Anthropologie’s holiday floor. I stopped in my tracks at this Leifsdottir pleated emerald skirt and some instagraming ensued.

December 5, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Laughter Sounds the Same in Every Language

This video is both impressive and powerful. It’s a reminder that art, expression and silliness knows no boundaries. Produced, shot and edited by by Benjamin Packard, Addi Somekh, Jared Louie and Charles Eckert. (via etymologie)

October 31, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Retail: Displaying Terracotta

When everyday items turn up in unexpected places, the results can be really fun. Even a terracotta pot can tell a story when displayed as a pattern on a wall. Taking a page out of Anthropologie’s playbook of presenting small things in mass, Pylos, a Greek restaurant in the east village of Manhattan has had their ceiling covered with curvy jugs since the day they opened.

On the other side of town in the meatpacking district, L’occitane‘s latest retail venture utilizes a similar concept. Terracotta pots line the entrance and ceiling. The impact is strong, the concept creative and budget, most definitely affordable.

August 18, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Do's & Don'ts of Brocade Coverings

There’s both a timelessness and modernity to brocade patterns. Just as camoflauge has evolved into a seasonly staple, so has the brocade for numerous industries, including stationary, lingerie, fashion and home decor.

There’s a bit of irony in today’s comparison, as the styled setting from this month’s Anthropologie catalogue juxtapose to the faded and taped Delta terminal reveals the do’s and don’ts when applying a large graphic repeat. When applied appropriately and in context, the design can sell the story and emit the appropriate mood. When applied carelessly, any notion of luxury is lost, making a mockery of the entire execution.

August 10, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik