Talking Shop: Modern Anthology
We sat down with John Marsala and Becka Citron of Modern Anthology in DUMBO, Brooklyn to see how things have evolved after almost four years of business.
What is the story behind Modern Anthology?
Becka and I are designers first and foremost, with collective backgrounds in architecture, film, industrial and interior design. We’ve always shared the same design aesthetic / ‘masculine design’ sensibilities and began discussing the possibility of opening a storefront while working on other projects together. We saw an opportunity in creating MA to open a unique men’s shop that merged interiors and home furnishings with fashion and accessories. We also still run our design studio - working on both residential and commercial projects as well as designing for television shows for the likes of HGTV and the DIY Network. It’s been fun to watch it all evolve.
How have you seen DUMBO change since your opening and where do you see it going in the future?
DUMBO is a really unique neighborhood for New York. We’ve always loved the vibrant architecture of some of the landmarked buildings and cobblestone streets as well as the iconic views. Its’a neighborhood that has done a great job at converting old factory buildings - for example, 220 Water Street which used to be an old shoe factory - into residential units. We feel like it’s a great model for how we can live with respect and appreciation for history and heritage, while still embracing certain modern sensibilities in our lifestyle.
In the nearly four years since we launched Modern Anthology’s storefront here, we’ve also seen considerable development of the area such as Brooklyn Roasting Company and Gran Electrica opening up their doors, a Vinegar Hill House expansion, and witnessed the transformation of Jane’s Carousel and the waterfront parks.
This, with Dumbo’s easy subway accessibility, proximity to Manhattan, we can imagine that Dumbo has the potential to become sort of the ‘Soho’ of Brooklyn as long as the developers continue to invite an interesting mix of retailers and restaurants into the neighborhood.
What is your favorite restaurant in New York?
Of course there’s lots of favorites, but we count Vinegar Hill House and Walter Foods amongst our favorite ‘go-to’ restaurants. Becka is also a big fan of Lighthouse in Williamsburg - the chef is a friend and someone who is so completely passionate about food, which makes the dinning experience that much better.
You travel a lot for your design projects, where’s your favorite place to find inspiration?
Fortunately we’ve had some great travel experiences where projects have taken us to places like India, Japan and even Kuwait - but those experiences don’t get to happen as often as being inspired is required of us. Being from New York however, there’s no shortage of amazing design all around us - it’s only a matter of making sure you give yourself the breathing space to go out and approach everything with a sense of wonder.
Nearly everything visible in your store is for sale, from apparel to furniture; how does change the shopping experience?
As interior designers, we wanted to create an immersive shopping experience that was authentic to who we are, and felt it is important to make all of the amazing things that we come across available for purchase.
By offering a range of products, from apparel, vintage barware, taxidermy, books, to leather bound notebooks and Japanese stationary, we hope to create a shopping experience that is about discovery. We often hear customers comment how they ‘want to live in the store’, which we think is a great compliment.
What brands have been performing best for you?
When it comes to apparel, we’ve had a lot of success with some of our staple brands like Todd Snyder, Ernest Alexander, Universal Works and Wolverine, but have been really excited by our recent discovery of the emerging french brand, La Panoplie. In particular, their shirting and outerwear are really well-made with just the right amount of detail.
What was your favorite purchase of recent past?
Becka recently traveled to Berlin and came across the most amazing skin care brand called Traditional Germany, that we’re about to introduce into the shop. We also recently picked up some vintage German Pommel horses that make great coffee tables, hand crafted pewter flasks from the UK, and some beautiful handmade knives by Max Poglia.
Do you have any advice for a new brand looking to sell to your store?
Sure. Email us - we’re pretty approachable
-Web: http://www.modernanthology.com
-Instagram: http://instagram.com/modernanthology
-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/modernanthology
-Tumblr: http://modernanthology.tumblr.com/
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