Caravan of Curiosities

May 9, 2008

another peek at our newest catalog!

Almost the moment I posted pictures of the Big Sur catalog shoot for you all
to look at, I was informed that the catalog video had been put up on the
Free People Youtube! So I wanted to be sure and post it for you to see!
You can also find it (and all our other videos) here.
This catalog drops next week and we are all so excited! Enjoy!

behind-the-scenes peek at our newest catalog!

Free People's new catalog will be dropping next week!
It was shot in the stunningly gorgeous Big Sur region of California,
and one of our stylists was kind enough to share a few pictures
from the shoot! Please enjoy!

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May 8, 2008

employee desk - erica

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Posing pensively for us at her desk (and in a Spartan helmet no less) is Erica.
Erica is the Assistant Visual Display Designer, which means she gets to help design
the displays that go in all the Free People stores.
It also means that her desk has many interesting objects to look at,
both related to her display work as well as personal items.
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This is Erica's favorite area of her desk.
The two young ladies pictured are her best friends hamming it up
on vacation in Daytona Beach. Happy times.

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This is my favorite area of Erica's desk.
When asked of the shoes she tells us:
"a wealthy older woman was giving away piles of clothes and such and
apparently didn't realize what a great find these shoes were!"
The shoes are sadly too fragile to be worn. But great to look at!

And the radio? Made of PAPER! It was picked up in Hong Kong.
Paper objects like these are made for funerals, to be burnt up as a means of
allowing the dead to take the objects with them to the afterlife.

Tune in next time for another fun look at an employee desk!

birds of a feather

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Kindra is Here shares her beautiful and whimsical vintage collections. I love the illustrations on old packaging. Those little charms would make an incredible necklace!

pangea day

I don't mean to overwhelm you with videos, but I really wanted to share this. This Saturday, you can join the world to celebrate Pangea Day. The concept is really amazing. Here is some info from the Pangea Day web site...

Pangea Day is a global event bringing the world together through film.

Why? In a world where people are often divided by borders, difference, and conflict, it's easy to lose sight of what we all have in common. Pangea Day seeks to overcome that – to help people see themselves in others – through the power of film.

More than 1,000 Pangea Day events worldwide will transmit photos, video, and text messages, to be incorporated in the live broadcast and the pangeaday.org web site.

The 4-hour Pangea Day program will include visionary speakers and live music in addition to the featured films. Queen Noor of Jordan, CNN's Christiane Amanpour, musician/activist Bob Geldof and Iranian rock phenom Hypernova are among the presenters taking part.

So get some buddies together or check out this map to find put where people will be celebrating near you.

pruitt and new videos!

Meet our intern Pruitt! She is doing an awesome job helping out with the blog to bring you more nuggets from the FP home office. Check out these videos while Pruitt interviews people on the streets and asks, "Do you know what Free People is?" And check out her shopping trip.

We've updated our youtube page with a few new videos you haven't seen before, so go there to see them all...

May 7, 2008

glitter creations

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Mackenzie from our photo team makes these adorable creatures
by applying glitter to everyday objects one might find at the dollar store.
Here's what she has to say about them:
"I’m obsessed with glitter. It makes me happy! It always has.
I love peeps too...their facial expressions crack me up, they’re all so different."

bird cage

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Kime Buzzelli posted some pics on her Moldy Doily blog from a block party/art opening they just had at her shop, Show Pony. If you don't know Kime's artwork, check out her blog and this entry we featured a while back. Anywho, I loved this pic with the giant bird cage drawing!

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She also bought some balloons for the party. They look so pretty and festive, I'm definitely going to remember to get some for my next soirée.

May 6, 2008

Julia Pott

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friend of fp Julia Pott has some pretty
sweet illustrations. She's also selling great handmade cards in her etsy shop! Get them while you can..

summer trend video

Here is our behind the scenes look at the Free People Home Office in Philadelphia. This video shows our three summer trends for 2008.

Peace Corps Prep: Inspired by girls in the peace corps traveling in India.

Everything But a Flower: A collection of new and vintage geometric patterns and shapes.

Mayan: Inspired by the beautiful Mayan Riviera and Aztec designs.

Enjoy!

May 5, 2008

knitted wall cover

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I walked into the NY boutique LP & P this weekend, and I just stared at the back wall for a good two minutes before the shop girl snapped me out of it. The entire back wall of the store is covered in this super chunky huge amazing knit wall covering. Giant flowers and cables in tonal grey colors. It is amazing. The shop girl explained that they are known for their knitwear (which was not obvious from the summer collection, understandably) and they do doggie clothes and women's clothes as well. The shop is named after designer Catherine Fung's two dogs, Little Prince and Piggy.

May 2, 2008

crochet coral reef

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The Coral Reef project has displayed in Pittsburgh and Chicago and is currently on display in New York. I had seen a small bit of it in the windows at NYU, and checked out the website for the Institute for Figuring and wasn't all that impressed with what I saw in person or the images on the site. But then, I saw the pictures posted on Love Forever and now I am excited!

The project is an effort to draw attention to the disappearing wonders of the marine world caused by global warming and the disgusting amounts of trash in the ocean. The crochet technique they used is called Hyperbolic Crochet, based on an algorithmic technique discovered by mathematician Dr. Daina Taimina.

Check out the Institute for Figuring; there is a lot to read about the intentions and process for this exhibition.

April 30, 2008

fitting room art: carlsbad store

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Some of the newest fitting room art from out Carlsbad, CA store! Which one is your favorite? I love the last one...

philly artist: manuel domingues jr.

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Heather at the home office recommends checking out this Philly photographer this week before his show ends! Manuel Dominguez Jr.'s photography is currently on display at Benna's Cafe in South Philly. Heather also recommends trying the most delicious coffee and tea beverages she has ever tasted, especially the Open Fire made with soy milk.

Heather bought a print of the photo above! Her favorite part is that they are watching Rock of Love on the TV!

A comment on uwishunu (a Philly happenings blog) claims Manuel is the modern Norman Rockwell, so get there this week to check it out (show ends May 8).

April 29, 2008

write a review!

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Now you can write reviews of Free People stuff you have purchased. Let other customers know how much you loved it, how it fits, or what you like to wear it with. Free People employees will be writing reviews too, letting you know something special about the design, or sharing their favorite items. Check out this review by a customer named Edanna for the Spanish Tiers Skirt:

"It goes with everything and is perfect for going to class, or just wandering around town. It is so beautiful in person and has a more hippie vibe than the picture is showing. It is also the perfect length for boots or heels. Sandals as nice too. Easy to dress up with a nice top, or just pair with a t-shirt."

April 28, 2008

shipping to uk

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We now ship to the UK!!! Check out this link for all the info.

April 25, 2008

ladak blankets

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I spotted these on Bloesem. Ladak blankets are designed by Jantien de Wilde and Jane Stroink in Amsterdam. The blanket is made from a tough material of recycled sweaters, blankets, jeans and even parts of mattresses. They then embellish with pretty lace and trims. Not only are the blankets made from recycled materials, but 15% of the proceeds will go to a shelter for the homeless in Amsterdam. Your comfort is theirs!

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I'm not sure if you can order these on the US, but it is a great idea to embellish an old blanket you might usually use for picnics.

April 24, 2008

cozy trees

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The ultimate tree cozy! Via pan-dan

April 23, 2008

rosie

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Here is Rosie!!

and a note from her owner...

I was actually on the hunt for an English Bulldog, but came upon Rosie and loved her immediately! I wanted a female dog I could name Rosie Ruby, and when I saw her, she looked like a Rosie Ruby to me. She is my first dog and she is a handful! But she's very sweet and good protection since I live alone.

Name: Rosie Ruby

Nick names: Rosie Monster, Rosie Posie, The Beast, Poop face!

Breed: American Bulldog

Likes: Everyone, squeaky toys, digging up the flowers in my yard, taking over the whole bed, and a good belly rub.

Dislikes: People with there hoods up. Boxes, mannequins, and ceiling fans are scary!!

Favorite friends: Indi, Brownie, Baxter and Keegan

Rosie is a great dog! I love that monster!!

April 22, 2008

samantha lamb

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I am definitely a big fan of Samantha Lamb's photography, I know many of my fellow crafty bloggers are too. Sam is exhibiting her work in NY with an opening this weekend!
Samantha tells me that prints and coffee table books will be available, there are about 21 framed pieces, and she will be playing great music. Plus, this is a perfect opportunity to check out the In Good Company Workplaces, a space for women entrepreneurs.

If that isn't enough to entice you, here are some of the photos...

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