Animal Lovers

How much for that animal in the window? Anthropologie auction supports WorldWildlife Fund

  • More than 50 Anthropologie stores are auctioning off handmade papier-mâchéanimals — like this ram at the Rockefeller Center store in New York — to supportthe World Wildlife Foundation.
    Photo courtesy of Annie McElwain
  • At Highland Park village, animals like this rabbit are on display in the storeand in the windows.
    Photo by Rachael Abrams
  • The animals are made by the art coordinators in each store.
    Photo by Rachael Abrams
  • A winter-themed window display in New York.
    Photo courtesy of Annie McElwain

In addition to a mix of funky yet feminine vintage-inspired fashions, Anthropologie carries an adorable assortment of animals — a recently acquired owl cookie jar springs to mind — as part of its collection of shabby chic home décor.

We were not surprised, then to see papier-mâché rabbits, owls, polar bears and the like dotting the store and window displays at the Highland Park Village and NorthPark locations. Turns out, though, these creatures serve a higher purpose: to help put some coin in the coffers of the World Wildlife Fund.

More than 50 Anthropologie boutiques around the United States are involved with the project, in which these papier-mâché creations will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. One hundred percent of the proceeds goes to WWF.

A spokesperson from the Highland Park Village store told CultureMap that every store's art coordinator was tasked with making the crafts using a wire base, papier-mâché and paint. The animals up for auction in Highland Park Village include the following:

  • Small bunny, starting at $20
  • Small penguin, starting at $20
  • Medium penguin, starting at $35
  • Large polar bear, starting at $60

Any of these little guys would make an original and thoughtful gift — especially for that friend who just had a baby and needs a few more touches for the nursery. If you want to place a bid, just give a sales associate your offer and email address this weekend, January 5-6.

If you win, the corporate office will contact you for a PayPal or credit card number. Winners will be announced January 8 and have until January 11 to pick up their prizes.

news/home-design