Ever wonder what it would be like to be the antiques buyer and gallery director for a store like Anthropologie? You can find out on 1stdibs in an interview with Keith Johnson, who holds this amazing position. Johnson's good eye scored him a job that sends him on international flea market expeditions where he shops for the store, brings back one-of-a-kind items, and chooses the pieces that will inspire Anthropologie's new home decor lines...
The article also profiles Johnson's personal partner and business colleague Glen Senk, the CEO of parent company Urban Outfitters. Johnson's taste leans more towards flea market finds, while Senk's is more modernist, but our favorite quote of the article sums up their decorating philosophy...
From Glen Senk: "In all our years, we've never had a style disagreement. Because we both know there's never a wrong answer." Words of wisdom for anyone who shares an apartment with a friend or partner.
To read the whole article from 1stdibs Style Compass, click here.
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Comments (14)
Sure does not look like our Anthropologies store, nor the one in Chicago either.
i heart anthropologie store design
Oh my gosh, this is SO strange. I was literally just thinking about this guy this morning. I actually work for Urban Outfitters, and as I was driving to work, and I started to think, "I wish I had a job that involved traveling." Then I thought, "Actually, most people I know who travel for work hate it, it's not actually fun and they don't get to enjoy it." But THEN I thought...."What about Keith Johnson? Now THAT would be an amazing job. Not to mention the fact that probably makes a boatload of money, and he's with Glen, so he doesn't even really need to work."
Just in case anyone was interested in my inner monologue on my drive to work. Anyway, just thought this was a totally strange coincidence and wanted to share.
i thought that first one was the staircase at Rockefeller Center. The photo credits say it is... That one is maybe a little larger but it is still crammed to rafters and crevices with goods. it feels the same as the others to me, just bigger.
Anthro's got lots of nice things--but my god. Read the article. Such snobs.
Just read the article, hoping to marvel at the promised "snobbery".
Shafted, again-- in what way are they "snobs", Nerval?
I'm sure he has a good eye, but surely being the partner of the UO CEO didn't hurt in the job interview.
i dont think they seemed snobby, they just seem really really rich, which they are. if i had that much money i'd probably buy beautiful antiques and a horse too. i didnt see any talking down about mass market or judging those with less- that would be snobby.
I think I'd give my left arm for that job.
what a dream
Is this the old Hallmark Cards gallary store in New York City?
These two guys sure do live the GOOD life indeed---I also read the article. County House in Bucks County ,Pa.
and probably a home in a chic part of Florida and a home in NYC along The Park!
Don't tell me a good job in retail does not pay off!
Maybe old family money also?
It's a shame I find the store so so and the products so cheap looking---kind of like Worlds Market stores.
I guess they know who to cater to out there in the market place!
Being a buyer would be such a tremendous job - a real dream. I'm always interested in reading about people with interesting lives (although I think everybody has a story).
I publish semi-regular interviews on Strange Closets (http://www.strangeclosets.com).
If you enjoyed reading about Johnson, you might be interested in an interview with Caroline Scheeler, the VP of Merchandising for Jayson Home & Garden. She's amazing.
http://www.strangeclosets.com/2008/05/design-intelligence-interview-caroline.html
Great post. Thanks.
Aren't Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters owned by the same company?
Erika, Yes, Urban Outfitters, Inc. Has four sub-brands - Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Free People and Terrain.