ROTATING POP-UP SHOP DRAWS INSPIRATION FROM ‘THE LION KING’ AT BLOOMINGDALE’S
Bloomingdale’s has revealed the latest rendition of its The Carousel concept shop. Called “The Carousel @Bloomingdale’s: Style Kingdom”, the new shop finds inspiration from Florence Kasumba, the German-Ugandan actress who plays the role of Shenzi in the upcoming film Disney’s The Lion King. Style Kingdom will run from now until September 2nd.
Serving as guest curator, Kasumba tapped into her knowledge of the film and her love of African fashion to identify select items that capture the spirit of the savanna. The shop features brands that empower communities, items sourced from multiple regions of the African continent as well as product featuring iconic characters and themes from the film. This iteration marks the first time the Carousel shop has partnered with a major motion film.
“Being the guest curator for the Style Kingdom in The Carousel at Bloomingdale’s is an absolute thrill because I’ve been able to combine my love of fashion and film whilst connecting back to my African heritage,” said Kasumba. “I love how The Lion King can be interpreted through this new lens and connect with audiences in a unique and fresh way. I felt such a personal connection to the pieces I curated and I can’t wait for people to see the collections and the movie!”
Labels featured in the shop include Maxhosa -a South African knitwear brand that celebrates Xhosa beadwork aesthetics and is made with South African mohair and wool; Studio 189 – an artisan produced line made in Ghana, specializing in various traditional craftsmanship techniques and focusing on creating jobs and supporting education; and Post-Imperial – a Nigerian menswear brand with a strong sense of optimism for the future and a focus on color, pattern and a rare hand dyeing process called Adire, to name a few. The shop also features a number of pieces that were directly inspired by the film and feature iconic theatrical logos and color schemes including a Danielle Nicole handbag featuring Simba as a lion cub, a Pride Rock t-shirt by Kid Dangerous and a S’well water bottle featuring the phrase “The Circle of Life”.
Shoppers will also find fashion-forward items including AAKS raffia color blocked bags, Birkenstock sandals, Gigi Burris raffia hats, bathing suits by Beach Riot, colorful Bauble Bar earrings and dresses by Sandro and Whistles. Frame khaki jackets, Khokho dark red woven handbags and Want Les Essentiels canvas totes draw inspiration from the colors of the African savanna. Items for the little ones include Aden & Anais swaddles, blankets and bibs featuring characters from the film, Chaser t-shirts with phrases such as “I Just Can’t Wait to be King”, Pippa & Julie tulle dresses as well as a Sovereign Code boys printed hoodie and shorts, to name a few. Home products include sustainable coffee by Bean There Coffee, animal shaped bottle openers made in South Africa by Carrol Boyes and animal themed linen pillows by Coral & Tusk.
Style Kingdom will come to life in Bloomingdale’s 59th Street Lexington Avenue windows featuring abstract iconic moments in the film including interpretations of Pride Rock and the Fallen Tree Bridge.
