Selvedge magazine pop up shop at Anthropologie

One of my favourite magazines – Selvedge – is very soon to be staging a pop up event at one of my favourite places for CBT (colourful beautiful therapy) – Anthropologie on the Kings Road in London. As well as the store’s original and quirky mix of unusual, arty, boho-retro pieces sourced from all over the world, the airy Grade II listed building that it occupies is stunning in its own right, with beautiful tiled floors and a glorious stained glass window.  The combination of the two – shop and building – are so much more than the sum of the parts, and a visit there is always a wonderfully uplifting and inspirational experience.

Founded by Polly Leonard and just celebrating its 50th issue, Selvedge is an independent magazine covering all things textile-related – fashion, fine art, interiors, travel and shopping. Its bi-monthly issues are beautifully printed on thick, matte paper and the art direction and image quality are exquisite – it’s a complete visual and tactile delight. Anthropologie and Selvedge are kindred spirits and make perfect partners; both are about scouring the globe for beautiful textiles, embroidery, pattern and colour in celebration of craft traditions old and new, and workmanship of the highest quality.

Above and below: Anthropologie Home Textiles

Anthropologie is famous for its stunningly creative window and in-store ‘set designs’ that imaginatively display their colourful wares – women’s clothing and accessories, furniture, home textiles, kitchen and tableware, and decorative home accessories.

The Spring 2013 collection is inspired by the exotic flora of Ecuador and the Galapogos Islands, which has been translated into textured, embroidered and beaded textiles, including a duvet cover influenced by the traditional stitching on Ecuadorian women’s blouses.

For seven weeks, from 14 February to 24 March, the pages of Selvedge magazine will come alive, with The Gallery at Anthropologie on the Kings Road transformed into a traditional haberdashery and filled with Selvedge dry goods – a selection of sewing and craft supplies plus a range of special textile objects each with its own story.

Above: 625 lines blanket by Eleanor Pritchard. Below: Haberdashary supplies

Above left: Honeycombe towels by Cote Bastide. Above right and below: Finnish felt slippers by Huopaliike Lahtinen

All items pictured above are also available to buy online from the Selvedge online shop

For the duration of the pop up there will also be a series of ‘Handmade and Haberdashery’ events where you’ll have the opportunity to create your own pieces with the guidance and encouragement of the likes of Mister Finch (see above), Abigail Brown (see left) and Claire Fletcher from Made in Hastings.

Some workshops need to be pre-booked, others events are drop-in sessions – find more details at the Selvedge website.

The pop up launches with their Valentine’s Night ‘Make a Date’ Party (RSVP here). Enjoy a glass of bubbly, meet the Selvedge team, and the talented Mr Finch will also be there to help you create your own beautiful flower corsage to take home. Plus there’ll be the opportunity to shop and socialise – I think this will be one Valentine’s date that definitely won’t be a let-down.

Images: Anthropologie; Selvedge Magazine; artists and makers as credited above