Impactful, inventive, and most importantly, stunning – our seasonal store displays are integral to the Anthropologie experience. The mind behind the magic, Erika Lavinia, leads the team tasked with dreaming up and executing our captivating, ever-changing exhibits. In her words, “We want to help create spaces that our customers want to live within.”
A multi-faceted artist with a strong connection to nature, Erika is also motivated by the meaning behind her designs. By crafting displays from production remnants, samples, scrap donations, and other used materials, she hopes to expand our thinking about the materials we use.
Here, she gives us a glimpse inside her creative process.
Behind the Design:
Upcycled Displays
Hear from Senior Display Director Erika Lavinia who is leading the charge behind our iconic, sustainable storefronts.
Q: Tell us a little bit about your background. How has it influenced your work?
“I grew up in a small town, on a lake surrounded by the Adirondack Mountains. I would hear the birds sharing stories outside my window, watch the deer navigate the woods in the early mornings, listen to the trees move and sway in the breeze. I grew up in nature. It has always been at the core of who I am, and therefore, tends to find its way into many of the creative narratives we spin for our customers.
I also grew up as an artist. I loved drawing, painting, and making things with my hands. I eventually went to school for painting, graphic design, and photography. Working as a Display Coordinator for the Portland, Oregon Anthropologie reenergized my love of nature in such a huge way. The scale of the mountains, the green of the moss-covered worlds that surrounded me, the ocean waves that crashed along the natural shores... I loved it all! After almost five years, I joined the Anthropologie Home Office. Now, 19 years into my Anthropologie career, I’m still learning every day.”
Q: Where do you gather inspiration for your seasonal displays?
“I’m always observing and absorbing. If you only look at art, you will find yourself only being inspired by what has already been done. But if you look at life and all of its facets, new puzzles and new takes can always be found. Whether it's a book, a movie, a hike, a conversation, a podcast, a song, or a work of art – I’m always thinking, jotting down notes, and saving inspiration I love. When the need for a fresh idea arises, I have this arsenal of ‘things’ to reference and form ideas with.”
Q: Why are you so passionate about working with sustainable and upcycled materials?
"I’ve always felt that the displays we create can be more than just pretty. They can have meaning. They can be a part of something bigger. My goal is to think about what we create and ensure that the Anthropologie chapter is not the full story. Creating a display from something that has already had a life makes the story that much better.
We either challenge the materials we use to begin with, or challenge what we do with them afterwards. Material awareness is important – it should be part of our thinking with every step we take as a brand.
To be a part of new ways of thinking and better ways of acting is important. Inviting others to learn, to become a part of a movement, or to see more purpose in a material they would typically dispose of is a big, but incredibly rewarding challenge. I feel proud!”
Q: Which materials lend themselves especially well to upcycling?
“We often reuse plastics, papers, and metals in ways that allow their original forms to remain intact; giving the customer that moment of recognition. I loved one of our fall windows where all of the oak leaves were cut from recycled mail and repurposed Anthropologie bags! This year, we are going to play with a ton of different materials, including some that are beautifully renewable like cork and bamboo."
Q: Last but certainly not least... What do you love most about your job?
“After almost 20 years, I’m not bored! As a visual team, we're always trying new things and looking at our jobs from new angles. Each day is different. One day, we could be figuring out the best way to make zebra fur. On the next, we could be learning about the ins and outs of sun printing. There are artistic problems to solve every day!”