Based on the fact that I drool all over the home section in both the Anthropologie stores and online, Keith and that entire team is clearly doing something very right. Who hasn't wondered where they find some of their most fabulous stuff?
That said, Keith is easy to love to hate. He has great taste but can't quite articulate the process by which he finds his inspiration. Ok, I'll give him that as it seems an impossible skill to explain. He has a design team back home that will revamp pretty much anything he finds to perfection but by that time he is already on to bigger and better things. The most frustrating part is that Keith lives a life that seems impossibly glamorous but is completely unphased by it all. Sure, he has been everywhere and done everything but can't he feign a wee bit of excitement occasionally? Maybe he is just tense around the cameras and that will wear off over time? Or maybe he is medicated? In other words, Im green with envy. I want to be him.
On the likeable side, Keith admits to having the best job in the world and I agree. That said, its probably pretty stressful to HAVE to find something amazing on each trip. I know I have a hard enough time finding a fun souvenir in my travels no less something that would please a finicky design team and shoppers across the US.
Should you be polishing your resume in the hopes of taking Keith's spot, think again. Keith's long time partner just happens to be the CEO of the company that owns Anthropologie. Or at least that's what the internet tells me (and I believe everything I read). I'm not sure if that would make his job more or less stressful.
So are you watching? What do you think?
Love this too, but seriously...I think I could show WAY more enthusiasm if I had his job! Lucky complacent mug!!!
ReplyDeleteI have not seen this show, but love the Sundance Channel AND Anthropologie. I will have to check it out asap! Thanks for the heads up.
ReplyDeleteI did not know about this show, but now will faithfully DVR it! Thanks for the tip!
ReplyDeletei do watch, and agree with everything you said.
ReplyDeletei am always annoyed with the way they focus on the shopping and finding than the actual installation of the product and the reimagining of it. i want to see that shit in someone's house!
and more of keith's house too. more than the 1 second shot.
YES I love that show! I just watched one last night.
ReplyDeleteI agree there is something that irks me. It rubs me the wrong way that they travel to these countries, find stuff that are either super cheap or from an artist that spends their whole life on their work. Then Anthro buys one for "inspiration", rips it off, and sells it to people in the US for $$$$$$$$.
But I have issues with Anthro anyway, their stuff is just way too overpriced.
But I forgot to add, even though I find what Keith does a bit morally wrong, what I LOVE is the glimpse into the beautiful things that are made and the cultures of other countries.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds very interesting. I don't have the Sundance channel but maybe I can watch online? That would be my dream job for sure!! Well secnd place dream job, first is being the White House Social Secretary.
ReplyDeleteI love this show, its so amazing to see where he goes and his thoughts behind why he is picking something...or at least the little thoughts he does give us.
ReplyDeleteFav&Best - So true - Ild like to see his place although Im going to guess I would hate it. I like to travel but I hate the look of a house that has bits and pieces from every country on earth. Im weird like that.
ReplyDeleteBrynn - I dont understand how they get away with taking something and then remaking it to sell. Isn't that another way to steal?? But they dont really explain that too much. The only thing Ive seen finished is the birdcage and that is hardly a novel idea and the finished product looked totally different than the original.
I gotta say, Mrs. Limestone, I certainly don't know how anyone could hate his homes... what I have seen is really beautiful and "collected" without being overdone or obnoxious. Mrs. Blandings did a bit on him last month... www.mrsblandings.blogspot.com/2009/10/quite-find.html and there is a link to a more current apartment as well. He has an exceptionally difficult and amazing job, one that I am envious of. I personally am really enjoying the show, it's giving me a new perspective on the store and why they are such a successful, unique retail environment.
ReplyDeleteThanks Erin - I didn't see that feature. You are right, I don't hate it. He definitely puts it all together tastefully.
ReplyDeleteUmmm, our big TV isn't really "our" TV. Though he will deny it, it's really "his" TV, and though we pay an outrageous amount monthly to Comcast, we seemingly only get ESPN/Sports channel. Isn't that weird? I should check into that....
ReplyDeleteHow did I not know about this show? You know that's one of my all time fav stores...of course.
ReplyDeleteI could not agree MORE with Brynnalexandra. I studied Anthropology (the real thing) in school, my parents live in India, and sometimes Anthropologie and this show just really tick me off.
ReplyDeleteI would totally love my job to if I worked for Anthropologie!
ReplyDeleteI just DVR'd it and thanks for the heads up on this show.
ReplyDeleteAdded the show to my season pass list. Looking forward to watching. Sundance has some great programs. One of my favorites is "Iconoclasts". Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI want to give the host an injection of ENTHUSIASM! Are you kidding me - the places he goes to, the people he meets, the things he sees ... I'd be reeling with excitement!!
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen the show yet, but based on just the ads- It's a dream job!
ReplyDeleteoh gosh, there is nothing worse than a person who is totally unfazed by traveling to sri lanka to bring back a papoose for some home decor inspiration. Hmmm....I might take a look at the show out of pure curiosity, but I can tell I probably won't like it.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to take a look! Thanks! Hey, I am almost done with your bedroom design :) I am excited about it!!
ReplyDeletePaula Grace
P.S. I have a wonderful holiday giveaway on Monday :)
Thanks for the heads up! I can't wait to tune in! Your post reminded me of a great article in House and Garden about Keith Johnson and Glen Senk. I posted about it today. It's fun to catch a glimpse into their glamorous life.
ReplyDeletehttp://navybeanonline.blogspot.com/2009/11/stylist-behind-anthropologie.html
Looking forward to watching. Sundance has some great programs.
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I do enjoy the show but I, too, feel like he's trying to take artisan's work and either knock it off or get the vendor to sell it for cheaper. That said, he seems likable enough.
ReplyDeleteBesides, I'd rather pick up my own things on my own trips!