Man Shops Globe

Man Shops Globe is an intriguing and unique series from the Sundance Channel that aired in 2009. The show revolves around the exciting, globe-trotting adventures of Keith Johnson, the charismatic and knowledgeable antiques buyer and Creative Director at the time for Anthropologie, a well-known American retail chain that specializes in women’s clothing, accessories, home décor, and more.

The show charts Johnson's shopping journey as he travels the world in search of outstanding, unique, and often outlandish pieces that could ideally sit well within the chic, bohemian aesthetic that the Anthropologie brand is famous for. Johnson searches for unusual furniture, antiques, folk art, and other curiosities in various corners of the world, from remote markets in India and antiques fairs in France to little-known local artisans' workshops in South Africa and Turkey.

Man Shops Globe is an eight-part series that captures and showcases the pivotal, drama-filled moments of this exhilarating treasure hunt. As Johnson travels from one exotic location to another, viewers are treated to all the pitfalls, triumphs, and negotiations he encounters, all replete with the excitement of unearthing hidden gems and perfect rare finds.

Throughout the show, Johnson's deep appreciation and keen eye for design, art, and culture are evident. Johnson isn't just shopping; he is on a journey of discovery. With each adventure, the audience learns more about these unique objects, their history, and the intriguing stories behind their creation. Equally engrossing are Johnson's encounters with fascinating local artisans, many of whom craft the remarkable pieces he eyes for the Anthropologie stores. The viewers get to see firsthand the rapport Johnson develops, the haggling that ensues and the ultimate satisfaction of securing an item that was worth all the effort.

Man Shops Globe takes its audience on an exciting visual journey as well. Each episode captures the beauty, the quirks, and the charm of the different locales that Johnson visits, from quaint European towns and bustling Asian cities to remote African villages. The camera does an exceptional job of presenting the heart and soul of these various destinations, their vibrant cultures, their bustling markets, and their wonderful, often unsung, local craftspeople.

Given Anthropologie's emphasis on whimsical, one-of-a-kind pieces, Johnson's quest often veers into the eccentric, sometimes bordering on the bizarre. Viewers will find themselves delighting in the strange and surreal objects Johnson finds compelling, from a French chateau's collection of stuffed animals to an oversized chair in Germany or a collection of giant wooden hands in Turkey. Despite the sometimes bizarre nature of his purchases, Johnson's unerring vision frequently turns even the most unlikely of items into a beloved piece in an Anthropologie store.

Beyond the shopping and the globe-trotting, however, what truly sets Man Shops Globe apart is its presentation of the creative process. Johnson’s discoveries often spark design inspirations for store displays or new product lines, and viewers get deep insight into the effort, thought, and creativity that goes into curating Anthropologie's uniquely eclectic and artistic in-store experience.

The series deftly combines elements of travel, art, culture, shopping, and adventure into a cohesive, engaging narrative. Equally appealing to those with a love for travel, a passion for design, an interest in diverse cultures, or a penchant for retail — Man Shops Globe offers a something-for-everyone appeal. The show presents a delightful, in-depth exposition of the roads less traveled in the name of retail, making it a must-watch for those who like their shopping sprees to be fascinating, cultured, and off the beaten track.

Man Shops Globe is more than just a shopping adventure. Less about consumerism and more about art, the series is a celebration of history, culture, and the world's hidden treasures – celebrating the objects that stand apart, that tell a story, and that add something genuinely unique to our living spaces. The show is an invitation to join Keith Johnson's quest around the world, appreciating not just the beauty of individual objects, but the diverse human creativity and story that each piece represents.