Abby Ham, left, and Moira Kaye of WBIR-TV at the pre-opening of Anthropologie last night.
So I finally know what all the fuss is about.
I had never been to an Anthropologie store before. But from the moment I walked in to the new retailer on Kingston Pike in Bearden last night, I started to understand. It is visually stunning. The store’s grand opening is today. Last night, it opened its doors to supporters of the preservation organization, Knox Heritage, and donated a portion of the evening’s sales to the group.
An indication of how important design, “look,” and attitude are to the lifestyle brand, is the fact that Knoxville’s new Anthropologie not only has a store manager, but a “visual manager” as well. It also has an artist on the staff.
You can certainly see — and feel — the results.
“We want you to have an unimagined experience,” the visual manager, Heather Watson, told me. “Things here are handmade, authentic and special.”
For instance, look at this display for a bed.It is constructed of 1,500 books, gathered from McKay Used Books, CDs & More and numerous vintage stores, Watson said.
Visual Manager Heather Watson in front of the fascinating bed display made of vintage books.
Watson herself moved to Knoxville from New York City only six weeks ago because, she said, she wanted “a quieter life that was more artistic.” I think my jaw dropped when she said that. Can you believe someone thinks Knoxville offers an opportunity for a “more artistic” life than New York City does? I was thrilled beyond belief.
Some of the decor is made from what Watson called “found objects.” She clearly has discovered many area vintage and antique stores as well as an Army/Navy surplus store.
Old Army canteens decorate several shelves, adding a pop of visual interest.
Portions of an old military backpack hold table linens.
And dishware.
Everyone loved the warehouse feel of the space that once was an old roller skating rink.
There were a lot of "oohs" and "ahhs."
Store Manager Marty Heatherly, left, with Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and City Councilman Duane Grieve
OK, back to the decor. It seems that if the design staff didn’t “find” something to meet their vision, they made it. Like these delicate moths.
Handmade moths flutter around a jack rabbit painted by Nashville artist Elizabeth Foster.
Look how intricate the work is.
Although it is only a display, someone tried to purchase this last night!
From left, Kreis Beall, Kay Clayton and Brenda Wood were checking out the scene.
Allyn Purvis Schwartz, left, and Elaine Clark
Knox Heritage CEO Kim Trent and her daughter, Kate
Watson, the visual manager, made good use of a local woodcutter.
Slices of wood are used in many displays.
Isn't the use of this cordwood clever? (Although I almost cringe to use the word that is so politically charged in our community at the moment.)
Birch is a beautiful wood used in several store displays. Came from the same woodcutter.
Rebar and whisk brooms make these hanging displays.
Very neat.
The staff made this mobile from Mylar paper and twine!
The hanging lamps over the checkout? The staff made them.
Cindi DeBusk, right, and her niece, Misty Gresham
Sisters Nora, left, and Ellen Robinson headed straight to these cute purses.
From left, Store Manager Marty Heatherly, Jeannie Dulaney, Visual Manager Heather Watson, Julia Bentley and Kathy Boyd
Watson has an uncle who owns two antique shops in Clinton. That's where many display pieces, like this silver pitcher, were found.
The backgrounds for the window diplays were made of chicken wire and canvas. The mushrooms were formed from moulding clay.
Oh, there was food last night, catered by Tupelo Honey Cafe. And champagne.
Tupelo Honey's chef, Brian Sonoskus
A variety of nibbles.
Falafel balls
Dorothy Stair with her son, City Councilman Marshall Stair
City Councilman Finbarr Saunders with his wife, Ellen Bebb, and daughter, Emily Saunders
Developer Tony Capiello looked like a proud father!
Maureen Bosch checking out the jeans.
And, speaking of jeans, look what the designers did when they thought they needed an extra splash of blue!
The jeans for this hanging came from visits to 10 thrift stores, Watson said.
Mickey Mallonee, left, and Barbara Apking
"A" is for Annette -- and for Anthropologie! This is Annette Brun, president of the Knox Heritage board.
From left, Sarah Pattison, Kreis Beall and Samantha Bradford
Annette Winston
Huh? What is Stephen Brown holding?
Why, it's Dolly Poulet, a silky chicken!
I guess I should show a few pictures of some of the clothes that caught my eye.
This bright dress was a show-stopper.
Several people were trying on this one.
My friend Gay Lyons loved this outfit.
I loved this shirt. I might have to go back and get it.
They also have vintage jewelry.
Anthropologie, owned by Urban Outfitter, is headquartered in Philadelphia. The Knoxville store is one of 175 locations.
You can't miss it. It's right in the heart of Bearden. Welcome to Knoxville, friends!
Thanks for coming, Cynthia! It was an overload of the senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. My head was spinning with delight! We at Knox Heritage were so grateful for Anthropologie’s donation and with all the happy shoppers spending money at this event. I’ll be going back for sure.
Me, too, Becky! What a fun place! I hope they do well in Knoxville.
Such fun — they did a fab job on the building! I spent too much $ but, as I told Peter, it was for a good cause. ..
I am so envious that you were at the opening. I love Anthropolie and and can’t wait to go!!! Looks fabulous.
Cynthia – thanks for the quick, wonderful recap! I’m thrilled to have our own Anthropologie in Knoxville now, but more importantly, my daughter and her friends are – they cut quite a swath last night! What a great job Tony and the Anthro folks did with that old building – adds another great visual treat to Bearden!
Sorry I was out of town….looks fun! Martha is excited to go and spend some of her hard earned summer money!
Blue Streak is full of good news and pictures. Bearden is downtown too. Always knew the cool would get more of Knoxville. Fertile place.
It was a great evening. Love Anthropologie–the ambiance is as awesome as the clothes. Loved the book headboard! Don’t you think I need that outfit you photographed? Thanks to everyone who came out & shopped to support preservation. Thanks to Tony & Anthropologie for a job well done.
Ellen: I’m sure Peter will understand. You were being charitable!
Monique: I predict you will love it!
Jeannie: Couldn’t agree more about the great additional treat.
Joan: Perfect for Martha. Bet you would enjoy it, too.
John: Yep! More magic!
Gay: You need that outfit, for sure!
So glad you posted all these terrific pictures. Can’t wait to get back in town and check out this new store. Love the chain. And love the fact that it’s in our own hometown now!!
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