The famed INabstracto shop and artist/designer Julie Jenkinson are partnering together to launch a new pop-up shop at the Design Exchange’s ever-expanding gift shop, located in the lobby of the historic stock exchange in Toronto’s financial district. Opening September 28 until November 13th, the DX’s second pop-up shop will feature two of Toronto’s influential design forces bringing together mid-century modern furniture, soft furnishings, clothing and mementos.
Julie Jenkinson is best known for her Animaze prints, an intricate fusion of surrealist animal themes with vintage pattern styles. A talent of Canada’s contemporary design landscape, she has produced a diverse array of graphic books, clothing, prints, cards and now fabric.
Admirers of INabstracto’s Kate Eisen and her eye for great modernist furniture will recognize Jenkinson’s and Eisen’s mutual love for animals and creatures, which is combined with minimalist and well-executed design in this inspired and lively collaboration.
The INabstracto + Julie Jenkinson pop-up shop will showcase mid-century modern furniture. The collection will include: 1970’s Don Chadwick airport seating for Herman Miller (upholstered in Jenkinson’s Animaze fabric), Animaze soft furnishings, stationery, drinking glasses, French pajamas and Dolbeau bow ties. Jenkinson will also be launching new vibrantly colourful abstract patterns, Kissing Mooses and her character Smarty Bark in-store.
Since INabstracto’s inception Eisen has featured Canadian designers and artists in the shop. In keeping with her personal mandate, Kate finds Jenkinson’s work a great fit. “Jenkinson’s textiles are so fantastic to work with,” says Eisen. “It doesn’t matter what mid-century modern piece of furniture I put her work on, it always enhances the design. I liken our relationship to Alexander Girard and Herman Miller; Girard for his versatile and playful textiles and Herman Miller for their strong and sturdy commitment to design.”