December 27, 2007
doily chair
I just had to post Tara Murray's doily chair. Free People is always attracted to the modernization of old crafts, and Tara's work explores that concept. Here's a bit about the chair from her website...
The Doily Chair was an exploration in designing a new furniture piece utilizing an outdated object. The new composite linen doily has found its home supported on a wide walnut chair frame. The recontextualized doily provokes images of grannies and formal parlours of the past yet maintains its contemporary proportions and usage. The Doily Chair is a project from the thesis work on attachment and thus employs the six developed Design Tools to Encourage Emotional Attachment.
the year to come
Hope everyone had amazing holidays! The holidays may be over, but there is still a new year coming. We've made some changes to the website and the blog this year, opened new stores and extended our product line in addition to lots of tiny changes. We want to keep improving!
Last year I asked you all for suggestions on what you would like to see from Free People in the new year, and we got a lot of really amazing ideas. So I'll ask you again. Do you have any ideas to improve Free People? The website, the stores, the blog, the product, the catalogs? What would you love to see in 2008???
December 21, 2007
new video page
Did you notice our new "video" button? The Caravan of Curiosities is now the place to check out Free People catalog videos. We have all the past videos posted since May, in case you missed any...
download gift tags
Our graphic designers made these pretty gift tags as a gift for you. Download here and print out for your own gifts!
December 19, 2007
met fashion blog
Yesterday, a special exhibition opened at the Metropolitan Museum of Art called "blog.mode: addressing fashion" Here's a bit about the exhibit...
As a living art form, fashion is open to multiple readings. A vibrant reflection of contemporary culture, fashion especially in its most avant-garde expressions affects us through its intense visual impact. blog.mode: addressing fashion is the first in a series of shows designed to promote critical and creative dialogues about fashion. The exhibition presents some forty costumes and accessories dating from the eighteenth century to the present all recent Metropolitan Museum acquisitions and invites visitors to share their reactions online or from a "blogbar" of computer terminals in the exhibition galleries.
check out the blog!
last day for free shipping!
Enter LASTMINUTE in the promo field during checkout! Visit freepeople.com
December 18, 2007
fp in nyc!
The new Free People store in NYC opens tomorrow! 79 5th Ave, right near Anthropologie (it's right next to Coach on the opposite corner). More photos and info coming soon!
December 17, 2007
mod gingerbread
Black Eiffel posted these modern gingerbread houses. I love them! CBGBs is pretty funny. I have to say, the old classic gingerbread houses definitely lend themselves to the use of candy a bit more. Much more fun and whimsical. But I do love the idea of these mod houses! Check out Black Eiffel for links to the photos...
Check out the Free People gingerbread if you haven't seen it! Video and pics!
December 14, 2007
kitsch and collage
On a recent trip to Australia, one of our design director came across this amazing shadowbox in the gallery A-Space on Cleveland. This shadowbox is full of antique chalk figurines and vintage ceramic animals. It’s called “Garden of Eden (Paradise Begins)” and was assembled by Australian artist Clinton Cross. Our design director was most excited and inspired by Clinton’s aesthetic. Also, she loved the way he took antique collectables and assembled them into a piece of modern art.
Our assistant accessories designer, Callie, was so inspired by the shadow box that she created her very own. She was surprised by how many figurines she could fit into such a small space! Check out her version...
December 13, 2007
holiday crafts
Over on the small object, there are some really great holiday craft ideas. Two of my favorites are made using recycled fabric scraps. If you do any sewing and are a pack rat, I know you have tons of little scraps you're saving "just in case". So here are two awesome ideas to use em up! Check out the stacking fabric trees and chain link garland...
December 11, 2007
all over print
I took the recommendation on love forever and checked out all over print. This blog covers color, design and inspiration of the textile design company. There are some really beautiful inspiring images. I wish some of the entries had more words so you knew what the works in progress and inspirations were related to, but I guess that's part of the fun. Check it out!
December 10, 2007
shrinky dinks
Yoonie-at-home posted her tutorial for making shrinky dink holiday ornaments. She gives a super detailed step by step and even gives you a template to download. I love crafts that involve a childhood pastime for a modern craft. Check it out and get shrinking!
December 6, 2007
crochet trees!
We got some comments asking for more details of our giant crochet tree display. Here you go! This is the prototype tree our display team made in their workspace at the home office.
The visual team crochetters worked from the top down, starting with a styrofoam ball, crochetting around it and then down, connecting to big rings as we went. Then we crochetted garland to drape on the tree, and crochetted around little styrofoam balls to be "ornaments." Then we had to chop the rings in quarters, folded the tree up, and sent it to india to be reproduced. As you can see from the pictures of the final one in the stores, they're all a little different. But it looks great and is a wonderful handmade treasure.
December 5, 2007
brushed prints
Check out our new brushed print tanks and boyshorts. Our intimates designers created the original samples with spray paint and stencils. In our factory, they produce the same effect using an airbrush printing technique. See the tanks and boyshorts on the web and in our catalog!
December 4, 2007
holiday cheer
The Free People stores are filled with holiday cheer. Check out this years decorations..
The bike is decked out, of course.
This year was all about the silver mirrored garlands and tinsel, and sparkly winter creatures.
Our favorite piece, the crocheted tree!
December 3, 2007
this week
There are some cool events happening this week in NY that I thought I'd share...
One is the Bust Holiday Craftacular. This is one of my favorite spots for holiday gifts and new crafty ideas for stuff to make myself. It keeps getting better every year, so check it out this Saturday, Dec 8th at The Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City, 125 West 18th Street.
Also this week, is GenArt's SHOP NYC, full of amazing designers selling their wares for amazing prices. This Wednesday at the Puck Building from 6-10pm.
