Ashley Longshore Designs for Anthropologie!

The exciting news around New Orleans these days is that Ashley Longshore, the talented, incomparable artist extraordinare has been chosen by Anthropologie to design a line of one of a kind handpainted chairs for their fall collection. This line, named ASHLEY LONGSHORE FOR ANTHROPOLOGIE, is the launch of an entirely new division for the furniture department of Anthropologie .

Much like the artist herself, Ashley's work is exuberant and celebrates the enjoyment of all life has to offer. In my opinion, her work is decidedly feminine and fun, and reminds us that life can be a colorful celebration which encompasses all the senses.

 

Ashley is quite the wild woman and never one to do anything half way. She truly lives life to the fullest, so when she heard that Anthropologie was coming for a visit,she had the scene set with over 1 00 paintings and chairs featuring her artwork.

 

" There were 3 prototype chairs that I painted on directly so the Anthropologie team could actually visualize my artwork on furniture,…and they loved them! They were my story boards for the presentation and they worked!!!!!!!”

Anthropologie had been searching New Orleans for artistic talent for their upcoming collections. An eight member design team including Chief Merchandising Officer Wendy Wurtzburger  visited Ashley's Magazine Street gallery and the really liked what  they saw.

"I am honored to be the first artist for this new furniture concept", says Longshore.

The line will be known as "Ashley Longshore for Anthropologie."

Ashley went to the Anthropologie headquarters in Philadelphia to see the mock ups for the chair line featuring one of her swimmer paintings.  The UK furniture buyer for the new International Anthropologie stores, to be opened in London in the late fall, fell in love with ASHLEY LONGSHORE for ANTHROPOLOGIE. The chairs will be featured in the stores in London, in the catalog and on website in September.

In my opinion, Anthropologie has made themselves quite a find in Ashley Longshore.

Her paintings are the embodiment of unbridled exuberance and indicate that this girl is all girl, and she approaches her life and work with everything she has.

Her girl paintings are an homage to femininity, beauty and grace. They are gorgeous, elegant, confident,and alluring. I especially love her Audrey Hepburn series.

They tell a story of style and grace. They celebrate beauty for beauty's sake.

They have an element of mischief and seem to be subtly autobiographical.

For anyone who's been lucky enough to meet her, they will quickly find out that Ashley is the life of any party she attends.

 

I was lucky enough to share a great time with Ashley and a few other very talented people the other night at a fabulous party given by the gorgeous Amanda Talley, another of New Orleans' artistic stars at her Magazine Street Gallery! Oh what a fun and festive evening it was!

 

In most of her paintings, there is the party element, the reminder to celebrate.

With good food and drink and a happy attitude. They remind us  that life is beautiful.

Ashley actually started painting as a way to deal with some trying times in her life. Her work was a way to transcend pain with the pleasure of painting, and so it is that her paintings both express and bring so much pleasure.

 

They can lift you up if you're feeling crabby.

They remind you that life is sweet.

And that you should go with the flow.

Sometimes she gives us good advice.

And words to live by.

She paints soulful, heartfelt portraits. You can feel the love she has for her subjects.

Her paintings show no reservation in expressing her emotions. And show that she's not afraid to love and be loved.

She's truly the Queen of the Scene.

And has something to crow about!

Because talent like Ashley's doesn't go unnoticed. So keep an eye on this girl. Because this artist, one of New Orleans' gems, has only just begun!

Just watch this:

According to Ashley,“Anthropologie has been one of my favorite stores since the mid- 90's. I have dreamed of working with them in some way.  This is just the beginning with this company.”    For the spring collection, ASHLEY LONGSHORE FOR ANTHROPOLOGIE  will be working on additional furniture, including a sofa.

Congratulations, Ashley and best of luck in your new venture!