apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I love it! everything they do is so brilliant and creative and beautiful! I wonder if my husband will let me get away with this?

I was gushing over the "icicles" made out of clear plastic straws at Anthropologie to my boyfriend when he remarked, "I wonder who actually does all the work? Do the designers do it? Or do they hire someone at minimum wage to string all those together?"

Does anyone know?

the position is called a display coordinator. this was my dream job when i was still in college. i've noticed the santa monica store has always been light years ahead in creativity and complexity than the other anthropologie stores.

from anthropologie website:
The successful display coordinator will have a fine arts, applied arts, or design and architectural background.Installation experience is preferred.
Display Coordinators are responsible for the successful implementation of all display elements within a store--windows, signage, platforms, shelf uppers and jewelry cases. This person must be highly creative, with a through understanding of the Anthropologie point of view, and a constant awareness of trends in fashion and home furnishings. Knowledge of various textiles and materials as well as familiarity with power tools, basic construction techniques, and installation is preferred. A fine arts, applied arts, design or architectural background is beneficial.

Tough as hell to get in...I've tried. Each store has a visual manager, on the same level as the general and staff manager.
Then a "co-ordinator", described above. Larger stores have more people.

I'd give my eye-teeth to work there...But they are very much a closed society and not just a bit wierd.

I worked in an Anthro that had two full-time visual managers. For the artsy type, it's a pretty amazing gig.

They had a little room of their own, which was basically like the arts and crafts room of your dreams. And these two, fun adult girls would spend their days creating mobiles out of rope or beds from twigs or whatever.

They didn't actually conceive the displays themselves. Each season they'd receive a binder with instructions, and pretty much follow the directions. They were, however, naturally artistic, crafty types.

And my store wasn't a closed society or weird...I think we were all pretty cool. And as a testament to that...I still shop there, even though I don't work there.

Oh, and the employee discount?? CRAZY awesome.

so, at what level are the installation concepts developed? now -that's- a job I would love, too!

If anyone knows a visual manager, I'd love to post an interview!

what was your employee discount? not that i want to work there, just curious how generous? ive just heard one of the highest employee discounts is at ae and american apparel.

edit: to marthalena

who did this to u?

Thanks for the responses everyone! I'm so glad that they hire artists to do the actual displays. I had a nightmarish vison that some diva designer came up with the idea to string 7,000 plastic straws together and would then command a sweatshop full of little ladies to make them for all of the Anthropologie stores across the country!

sanriofreak - They have a week in December where employees get 40% or 50% off everything in the store.

The rest of the time it's generous, too...I think maybe 30%? But that Xmas week...Oh my. So much fun.

Hiya! I cam up with the idea and made that canopy in the Santa Monica store! I'm glad you like it. It was inspired by El Anasui the African artist's work. Check out my website at www.sonyastyle.com for diy projects.