Manager Nancy Chang inside Anthropologie (Photo by Jessica Darmanin)
The opening of Anthropologie’s first Canadian outpost at the Shops at Don Mills was one of the most anticipated retail launches of the spring. The popular U.S. chain had established a devoted Canadian following on-line, and those familiar with its line of women’s clothing, accessories and housewares have been flocking to the new store in droves. “Don’t come on a Saturday,” manager Nancy Chang advises. “It’s crazy.” On this Thursday morning, the shop is already abuzz with uptown moms and daughters. (Downtowners will get theirs in July when a Yorkville location opens.) With almost 7,000 square feet packed with goodies, shopping can be overwhelming, so we asked Chang to show us some of her favourite items.
Click on the first photo below to begin the slide show >>
Leifsdottir Calm Seas skirt, $278 <br />Anthropologie pieces often have small details that add an extra something; the button and bow detailing here is a perfect example.
Livia necklace, $58 <br />“I wear this with a scoop-neck tee or a tank,” says Chang. “It dresses up whatever you’re wearing, and it looks like it’s attached to the shirt.”
Frat Luxe felted soap, $16 each <br />Great for a shower gift, each bar (scented with essential oils) is wrapped in exfoliating wool felt that shrinks as the soap does.
Vera Neumann outdoor dishware, $10–$38 <br />Backyard party hosts, take note: these melamine plates ($10) and serving tray ($38) look deceptively un-plastic. Each plate is printed with a different jungle bird.
Caledon tea service, $28–$98<br />Handmade in Cape Town (Anthropologie sources many of its products from South Africa), this set is designer Wendy McLachlan’s take on the traditional.
Nathalie Léte tableware, $22–$28 <br />Léte designs many of the pieces in the store, including bedding, hardware and rugs. These side and dinner plates are endearingly child-like.
Nathalie Léte drawer pulls, $10 each <br />There is a large collection of doorknobs and drawer pulls tucked in a back corner of the store. Chang suggests using these cutesy ceramic strawberries in a cottage kitchen.
Guru paisley duvet cover, $288 for queen-size <br />Another Vera Neumann design exclusive to the store. Chang admires the interplay between positive and negative space, saying, “This is like an illustration to me. Vera was very good at pulling off vibrant colour while remaining earthy.”
![](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://torontolife.com/style/anthropologie-store/&title=Inside Toronto’s first Anthropologie store&picture=https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/nancy.jpg&description=[caption id="attachment_7029" align="alignleft" width="270" caption="Manager Nancy Chang inside Anthropologie (Photo by Jessica Darmanin)"][/caption]
The opening of Anthropologie’s first Canadian outpost at the Shops at Don Mills was one of the most anticipated retail launches of the spring. The popular U.S. chain had established a devoted Canadian following on-line, and those familiar with its line of women’s clothing, accessories and housewares have been flocking to the new store in droves. “Don’t come on a Saturday,” manager Nancy Chang advises. “It’s crazy.” On this Thursday morning, the shop is already abuzz with uptown moms and daughters. (Downtowners will get theirs in July when a Yorkville location opens.) With almost 7,000 square feet packed with goodies, shopping can be overwhelming, so we asked Chang to show us some of her favourite items.
Click on the first photo below to begin the slide show >>
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Anthropologie, Shops at Don Mills, 19 Clock Tower Rd., 416-449-6666, anthropologie.com.
Product photos by Jessica Darmanin.){kind=link}
finally this store is in Canada…few more months before topshop opens shop!
Yeah, I’d like to know why all of her employees are white.
Shut the hell up! Nancy rules!
agreed, nancy’s great…and that picture of her is adorable!
what?? when and where is topshop opening up in Toronto??
Awesome stuff, Nancy!
I’ve gotta check out Shops at Don Mills soon!
Shops at Don Mills is a fantastic culture change. let’s see some of that closer to downtown, or perhaps city-centre?
All the employees white? The girl in the picture is Asian and theh girl who helped me the other day (Robin?) was black.
ARGH! They do NOT carry their full line in Canada! You still have to order FOOTWEAR and other items via mail :( They don’t tell you that until you’re in the store.
I agree with Maladroite. If you people go into the store and scan the employees, none are minority. They also have the same problem as Abercrombie and Fitch in the states, who were sued multiple times for being racist.
Who wants to spend $300 for a Wannabe vintage cotton dress that was Made in China?
Go to Kensington Market people.
I have shopped the Yorkville Store. You really have to pick through the items to find something that is not only made OK but not too overpriced. Some fun gift items but the branding/merchandising far outweighs the actual quality of the items. Quality in womens clothing these days really sucks overall!
I’m not impressed with this store. It is way over-priced and lacks authenticity. Buy local not made in China, Bangladesh or India – unless it’s handcrafted from an artisan!