If Amanda Mills could create a word illustration of what it means to have her products among 15 California-based makers and artisans for the opening of West Elm in downtown Palm Springs, it would be: awesome.
“I’m honored to have my art on display at the grand opening, and I’m so grateful to be a part of their awesome local program,” says Mills. “More companies need to help out local creatives like West Elm does. They’ve been nothing but a pleasure to work with from day one.”
West Elm commissioned a Palm Springs-themed art print from Mills that will be on sale in two color schemes for the store’s grand opening at 10 a.m. Sept. 1. The first 300 shoppers will receive the exclusive Mills’ tote bag, with a $50 minimum purchase.
PHOTO COURTESY OF AMANDA MILLS
These two print designs by Amanda Mills will be on sale when West Elm opens Sept 1.
Mills, a Palm Desert native who bonded with the desert landscape and architecture, finds a good partner in West Elm.
“All of [West Elm Palm Springs’] products are midcentury modern,” Mills says. “All of their furniture and their home decor, I absolutely love that store. In that sense, my hand lettering and illustrations can totally fit into that aesthetic.”
Before the official opening Sept. 1, West Elm will throw a Grand Opening Party from 6-8 p.m. Aug. 31. The celebration will include cocktails from the Ace Hotel and a 15 percent discount on store items. The ribbon-cutting will take place at 5:30 p.m. with Palm Springs Mayor Robert Moon. Proceeds will benefit the Palm Springs Animal Shelter.
Shoppers will find the 10,076-square-foot store filled with merchandise reflecting the classic midcentury design aesthetic. The store incorporated modernistic influences to complement downtown’s neighboring shops and surroundings. And you can find examples of these sleek designs and straight lines in its blog, too.
Shoppers will find the 10,076-square-foot store filled with merchandise reflecting the classic midcentury design aesthetic.
Store Manager Wyndal Chapital recently moved here from Michigan and is looking forward to becoming a local.
“Every store has its own unique footprint,” Chapital says. “[W]e were very strategic in our hiring. We did hire people who grew up here, who love Palm Springs and they care about the community and where the future of Palm Springs is going.”
“Our goal for the store is to help bring awareness to downtown Palm Springs, to drive traffic into downtown, to help smaller businesses, to engage the community, and to host local events as well,” he adds. “And just to be here to coexist as a big business with smaller, local businesses as well.”
West Elm will continue to highlight local artists on the second Saturday of each month beginning Sept. 10 with Palm Springs-based designers, California Luster and local artist Christopher Burbach. West Elm also plans to host community dinners.
“We are going to partner with local caterers to highlight their business to create a forum and discussion of locals here,” Chapital says.
West Elm Palm Springs, 201 N. Palm Canyon Drive, 760-322-1359; www.westelm.com
Amanda Mills, dribble.com/AmandaMillsArt