Collab Alert: Anthropologie X Bethan Gray

Anthropologie is launching a new American-Ancestral-inspired collaboration with award-winning Welsh designer Bethan Gray.

Anthropologie and Bethan Gray have a design DNA so similar, it makes us wonder how they’ve never crossed paths before.

The Welsh designer has already launched collaborations with John Lewis, Crate & Barrel and Editions Milano.

The pairing is set to mark September’s London Design Festival with the launch of an anticipated furniture collection.

‘We strive for a fresh take on femininity and choose the understated, warm colours that come with that,’ says Bethan, noting soft hues of rose pink, charcoal, mint green and brass used across the collection.

‘But it goes beyond the visual to a passion for craft, natural materials and using them to tell stories.’

The tale being told here? Ancient patterns of indigenous American cultures, inspired by Anthropologie’s Pennsylvanian roots.

Bethan Gray is used to taking cues from other cultures – her previous collections have leaned on Islamic design and Oman architecture for inspiration.

Her collaboration with Anthropologie was inspired by ancient Native American cultures, and – with the rise of all things Frida Kahlo and Mexican style – it couldn't be better timed.

The most visible indigenous American influence in the new Anthropologie collection can be seen in the side tables, featuringa characteristic zigzag pattern reminiscent of Native American design.

Other highlights include the Feather Bar Cabinet – inspired by the Puebloan feather motif and cast in resin from an original hand-carving, rugs indented with subtle raised and flattened details, and curvaceous mirrors structured with iridescent frames.

‘Everything I design starts with a story,’ explains Bethan. ‘In this case I started researching Indigenous American cultures and was quickly drawn to the graphic patterns, forms and motifs of the Ancestral and Acoma Puebloans – they look so contemporary even though they are really ancient. I just thought they were beautiful and perfect for Anthropologie.’

Expect bold shapes across Carrara marble, mango wood and glass.