Anthropologie Arrives Soon – ‘A Triumph for Guildford’

Published on: 17 Oct, 2013
Updated on: 17 Oct, 2013

Soon we will be able to see behind the hoardings into Guildford’s latest prestige retail offering.

By Maria Rayner

Guildford shoppers will soon be able to take a peek inside 149 High Street when concept store Anthropologie finally opens its doors on October 21.

The brand, which prides itself on a creative, boutique atmosphere, is welcoming customers into its fourth UK shop at 9.30am, when textiles performance artist Harriet Riddell will be stitching portraits for customers.

Anthropologie sells: “a diverse assortment of women’s fashion, accessories and home décor. Merchandise is constantly changing and exhibits a range of influences, from vintage to global. Anthropologie creates what does not exist in the market and has a team of talented designers, as well as developing collections with designers and artists who craft very special products exclusively for Anthropologie.”

It is a triumph for Guildford to have attracted such a global, unique brand,” a company spokeswoman told The Dragon when it exclusively broke news of the store’s arrival in June.

Anthropologie have heaped praise on the historical qualities of the town. Describing their new premises, formerly Habitat, they say: ” The façade of the store has wonderful architectural detailing that we have preserved, highlighting the original elements with fresh colour, and emphasizing the existing features of the store with the addition of custom signage.

“Adding an artisanal touch to the storefront is a custom brass nail pin mounted sign, and a beautiful set of brass threaded door pulls. Our signature Anthropologie blade sign has been recreated from a 19th century found iron bracket, finished with accents of brass.

“The interior of the space is sympathetic to the raw structure of the building, utilizing the structural piers to provide a progression of rooms, while soft artisan plaster and encaustic tiles from Spain add texture, warmth and femininity to the space. As the customer makes her way through beautifully curated spaces she passes detailed wood paneled openings and is drawn up the staircase by a flood of natural light sweeping down from the skylights above.”

The company is holding several events to celebrate the launch. In addition to Hilary Riddell on 21st October, there will be a party on Saturday 26th October when Creative Landscapes will be sharing seasonal gardening ideas, with live music and refreshments from Glutton & Glee.

On Saturday 9th November, an independent sewing pattern label, By Hand London, will be holding a group ‘sew along’. Customers will be able to purchase the Anna Dress pattern and a choice of fabric to create the dress supervised by the By Hand London team. There will also be a Christmas shopping event in late November.

Contact Anthroplogie at community@anthropologie.eu for more details of these events.