April 30, 2008
fitting room art: carlsbad store
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.
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!
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 25, 2008
ladak blankets
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!
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 23, 2008
rosie
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
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...
canoga park store
We just opened in Canoga Park, CA! Here's a few photos; come say hello! (How much do you love the pinwheels in the bike basket?)
Westfield Topanga Mall
Canoga Park, CA 91303
(818) 716-8069
Mon-Sat 10am-9pm
Sun 11am-7pm
April 21, 2008
green house
I love this Greenhouse waste paper basket spotted on siagraphica designed by Jantze Brogard Asshoff. The designers exhibited at design fair Salone Satellite in Milan.
I also love this whimsical key hole cabinet called "Peek" !
April 18, 2008
donut tape dispensers
Last week was Mill Week. Once a year we invite all of our fabric mills to visit the office so they can get a better sense of what FP is all about, meet with the designers and production team, and take a look at what we are working on. One of our vendors brought a donut tape dispenser, and our designers kind of loved it. Our vendor said she would send one from China, but when the knits team opened the box, she had sent a whole bunch!
So the knits team had a fake donut party. They are easily amused.
April 17, 2008
how-to tutu
A few people asked how they can buy the FP tutus from the photo I posted. We do not have them for sale, but Luren from the display team has some tips.
To make these tutus, Luren used camisoles from past FP collections and petticoats she found on the internet. But you can make your own!
It's easy to make a tutu: just find a color range of tulle and netting at your local fabric store and a thick band of elastic. If you have a sewing machine you can sew tiers of tulle onto the elastic band in a pleat-y way, folding an inch of the tulle under itself and sewing that inch, then folding more tulle under and sewing that inch so you're making pleat after pleat after pleat right on the elastic band.
You can make several tiers of pleated tulle on a thick elastic band. Then you can add little bands of pleated tulle onto the bottom of the layers of tulle for extra bulk. We layered bright colors under pastel colors so that when you saw the tutus from below you got a special surprise pop of color.
Then we sewed them to Free People camisoles. The effect of this can be achieved with your homemade tutu or any tutu you can find at a thrift store or a dance shop. Most dance shops carry the donut style tutu (really big and thick around the waist) and the more relaxed skirt-y tutu. You can just pin the tutu to the bottom of the camisole all around and then use a needle and thread to whip stitch them together.
Good luck!
Luren (see this entry to learn more about Luren)
fp friend illustration
One of our myspace friends did this adorable illustration! Check out her page for more equally great drawings. Thanks criticdarling!
April 15, 2008
we the free
So, no one in the home office dresses alike or wears the same outfit-ever. However, one thing we all can agree on is how much we love the We The Free line.
We noticed how popular the sweatshirts and tees were in the home office so we started to document everyone rocking their WTF.
Some thoughts from the home office:
“It feels good. It looks good….I never want to take it off!”
“If you are rushing in the morning and you don’t know what to wear..you can throw on your We The Free and you are good to go!”
“The pockets on the pullover sweatshirt rule…. I’ve never felt this way about a sweatshirt before. For reals.”
“It’s great to wear everyday. Its super comfy and I get lots of compliments when I wear it...”
palo alto store
We just opened our store in Palo Alto, CA! Here's a few pics. Come check it out...
Stanford Shopping Centre
#313-A
Palo Alto, CA 94304
(650) 462-1986
April 14, 2008
collage wallpaper
Here's a new wallpaper to download for your computer made for you by our graphic designers. Get it from our flickr group here. Missed our other downloads? See them all!
April 11, 2008
fp ballerinas
We were taking down a tutu display in the home office, and some of the designers decided to play dress up. Just like a Degas painting, right??
April 10, 2008
share fp with friends
Did you know that you can share your favorite Free People products on your facebook, del.icio.us and stumbleupon pages? Check out the “Share” button on the lower right hand corner of any item page. Just click this button to add to your page.
April 9, 2008
theatre de la mode
Susie Bubble wrote an entry about UK label Theatre De La Mode by Sara Flamm and Christopher Kelly. Their debut collection is called "Willows" and presented on these small scale woodland creature mannequins, referencing the post-war era Paris concept of Theatre de la Mode marrying art and design. I love the creative display paired with the completely wearable, serious casual-wear.
April 8, 2008
april catalog
Our April catalog drops today! Here's a little about the shoot from our creative director...
Our April book was based on a trend called “Mayan”, taking typical print/color palettes of that culture and translating them into modern silhouettes.
We’ve had great success working in Mexico in the past (January 08 book), so we decided to head back. This time, our production scout, Dominique took the team to Tulum...about an hour’s drive or so from Merida, where we’ve done most of our shooting up until this point. Tulum was gorgeous...white sand, green-blue ocean, teeming with lots of nomadic, free-spirited folks (including the guy on pg 6 and 13).
Most of our beach shots were taken there; the rest were taken on the road, driving to and from that location.
Very spontaneous shoot...and one of our favorites so far.
P.S. The headdress on the front cover was actually purchased in the Houston, TX airport. Winds forced our plane down, and the team wasn’t able to make its connecting flight to Merida...so we hung out for a long time, waiting for our luggage, and found this. Not Mayan, necessarily, but made for an awesome prop. :)
designer's details
One of our soft wovens designers, Alissa, gave us some details to share on two styles she worked on.
Alissa's Ikat Dress was inspired by an Indian purse. The designer incorporated the look of the embroidery used on the bag into the dress details. The dress was named after the designer!
The floral design on the Gauze Embroidered Waist Top was hand drawn by Alissa. The design was inspired by pictures she found in a botany book.
April 7, 2008
indiana jones
Meet Indiana Jones. Indie is a sweet boy who plays nicely with all of the other Free People dogs and comes to work almost every day.
Indie belongs to Erin, who is the Associate Designer for Prints and Colors. This means that Erin and Indie work on the print artwork for all Free People apparel. They also help to choose and name the colors for each item for every season. So if you love the print on your favorite Free People dress or shirt, chances are Indie and Erin had something to do with it.
Name: Indiana Jones
Nickname: Indie, Monster, Dr. Jones
Breed: Catahoula Leopard mix (seriously, it’s a real dog. If you don't believe me, look up the state dog of Louisiana)
Likes: Running, running, and running.
Dislikes: People who step on his tail, people who take his trashcan, and mailmen (of course)
Favorite friends: He has an awful lot of friends, but I think his favorites are probably Rosie (an American Bull Dog), Keegan (a Black Lab), Dave (Manager of Free People Direct) and Mary Ellen (Senior Designer for Color and Prints.)
How did you meet Indie: We rescued him from a shelter in Philadelphia. I just wanted to pet him, because he looked so cute and I ended up taking him home :)
Anything else you want to share: Indie loves working at FP! Sometimes when we leave at night he won't get in the car! He just keeps running back to the front doors!
new stores: california!
Four new stores in the next month! Palo Alto, Canoga Park, Carlbad and Glendale CA.
April 4, 2008
marbled paper
Courtney and Lizzy made some beautiful marbled papers for our "trend walls." As the designers are developing a trend, they designate a wall in the hallway where they post all kinds of inspirational images, artwork, magazine tears, trims, etc. You'll have to wait a few months to see what comes of the trend with the marbled colors... The painting sure looks like fun though!
Here are some of the supplies and tips:
Paper was from Pearl Paint
Big white tub was from Ikea
The marbling kit was from Pearl too.
Innovative Marbling Suminagashi Dye Ink Set:
6 colors, in 12 ml. tubes and it comes with instructions!!
The girls put a little baby oil (does not come in the set) in the water too, just to make it more interesting. Wherever the oil is, the paper will remain white.
Check out the comments from an expert marbler for some more tips...
April 3, 2008
Gypsy Vanner Horses
FP President, Meg recently bought a puppy from a lovely young girl in Canada named Sherry. Sherry's other passion happens to be Gypsy Vanner horses, and their story is pretty neat, so we thought we'd share. Sherry explained to Meg that Gypsy Vanner horses were used by the gypsy people to pull their caravans. They are one of the rarest horses in North America. There are only 2 breeders in all of Ontario but they are more popular in the states. Check out this youtube video Sherry made for some more info...
April 2, 2008
uber
Have you heard of uber? It's like a blogging platform or social networking similar to MySpace where you can post photos, write blog entries and stream music. The difference is, it's really customizable and much easier to design your pages without using code or sticking with really basic templates. You can just drag and drop your options in. The result is some really great looking sites. And a new place to find some great design blogs, like Crafty Ideas by Benny and Kelly for instance
April 1, 2008
vintage sunglasses
We have this amazing collection of vintage sunglasses acquired from Selima Optique, the famous luxury eyeglass boutiques from LA, NY and Paris. Each pair is original and in pristine condition. Check out shades by Dior, Lacoste, Dunhill, and Vuarnet. There are also these sweet color-changing Chameleon sunglasses in assorted colors. Check them all out here.
employee profile
*First name: Luren
*How long have you worked at Free People? Close to 2 years
*Tell me about your job: I draw on the walls at the new Free People stores during the openings, mostly in the fitting rooms. I design the seasonal visual display that goes to all the stores with my team, which means looking everywhere for inspiration, shopping in thrift stores, trying things out here in our studio, and seeing through production of anything that we make overseas. And I work on the designs for the packaging (the fabric shopping bags you get when you buy clothes at a Free People store).
*What do you like best about working at FP? I get a lot of creative freedom and responsibility, which is exciting because we get to be the face of the retail side of the brand--the part that people see when they're wandering down the street or shopping in the mall. We get to make really inspirational, special setups in the store that get people using their imaginations and staying in the stores to look at everything we did to make it special, and that gets them to look at the amazing clothes!
Favorite FP items. Why? We The Free! The Relaxed Pullover Hoodie and the We the Free Short Sleeve Rugby Stripe. Anything from WE THE FREE. Looking forward to all the new products that are about to drop.
Tell me about your dog. I LOVE ALL DOGS. But I can't have my own because I travel all the time for work and to explore the world. So I get to love all the dogs around the Navy Yard, without getting to spoil just one with all my attention. But IDA lives in my house, so she's my most favorite!
What do you do when not at work? I design textiles, run a gallery and a gallery store which sells artist-made products with some friends, tie-dye old clothes in my yard, cook, grow vegetables in my garden, draw, travel, and I just wrote a book about screenprinting at home called Print Liberation .
What do you like best about Philly? I love Philadelphia. It's a really easy place to do your own thing. You're not in the world spotlight like you are in cities like NYC and LA so the pressure is off and people get to dig their heels in the ground and do what they feel passionate about. Which means people are more real and more straightforward. It's cheap, so your life isn't on the line if you screw up. People are hardworking and inspired.
Anything else? Picture credit: Mike Wilkes
Note: in pictures I'm in India working on display production, and wearing a free people burnout shirt