our current creative theme “quilted memories” has had me thinking about my quilt that i started making last year. i’m ashamed to admit it has been sitting in a box full of fabric for months now waiting for me to return to it, but during sunny spring and summer months i find it hard to spend any time inside working on it. however, these images are definitely inspiring me to get back to work…
all of these blow me away. i definitely don’t have the artistic ability to make anything as amazing as these, but they’re giving me some great ideas… have any of you ever tried making a quilt?
this new series of posts on the blog will explore the world of our interns, brought to you by our concept intern anastasiya!
Here in the office we have a fresh group of interns who, like me, are coming down from the initial flutter of beginning work in Free People. They are settled into their different departments, busy honing projects and assimilating into the working culture. To give you a more thorough glimpse into the experience that is being a Free People intern, I will introduce a talented new intern every week and have them show and tell you a little bit of what they are working on.
Let’s now take a peek into the dazzling world of the Visual Display Department – meet Walker, the Visual Summer Intern!
What led you to intern for Free People?
I have always had a love affair with Free People clothing and when a family friend that works here saw my portfolio, she thought I would be a good fit for the visual display team. In February, I came to Philadelphia for the first time to interview and got the job!
What has been your favorite part of the experience so far?
It is hard to pick a favorite part because this whole experience has been so wonderful, but I would have to say it would be making the bike wheels and bike horns for the 5th avenue store in New York. I had a lot of freedom to play around with a wide variety of materials and color palettes and got to add my own spin on the summer display. It is also pretty awesome to see something I made in a Free People store!
What do you think is the most useful piece of knowledge that you have acquired in your time here?
I have learned so much about how visual display works but the most useful piece of knowledge is that people like to see variety. For example, if someone asks you to dye a piece of fabric green, dye ten pieces of fabric all different shades of green so they will have a large assortment to choose from.
What are you currently working on?
I just finished working with the visual display team on the Holiday 2010 prototypes which look splendid! There are so many fun elements that will transform the store into a winter wonderland.
Any words of advice to future interns?
Just be very positive and willing to work hard. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions because that it how you are going to get the most out of this experience. Oh, and have fun!
The fruit of Walker’s labor?
The bicycle wheels suspended from the ceiling of the 5th Avenue store in New York were so pretty!
to go along with our july catalog, the new creative concept for our website is called “quilted memories.” here’s a look at the artwork that inspired our graphic designers, and the words fp jemma wrote to describe the free people girl who embodies this trend…
you probably remember these beautiful butterflies and dragonflies that flew into our stores for our spring display – well now that our new summer displays are up, they have gone into hibernation…and we want to give some away!
this giveaway will stay open until friday at midnight – and all you have to do to win is leave a comment below, and make sure to leave your email address so we can contact you if you win.
we will select a winner for each day (tuesday,wednesday, thursday, friday) to receive one of these amazing display pieces!
i am so jealous…i loved these displays and they’re even prettier in person because you can see all the details and craftsmanship that went into creating each one :) plus this is the first time we’re giving away some display items so it’s pretty exciting!
good luck!!!
**UPDATE Monday June 21 – the four winners have been selected and contacted. Once we hear back from them, we will announce on the blog.**
i saw this studio on design sponge and i had to share, it is so beautiful! i love the framed chalkboard and all the different prints and patterns on the wall in the last photo… reminds me very much of free people. i’ve been really into the mixed prints right now, probably as a result of all the inspiration on our website but it hadn’t occurred to me to try it in my home. i love how it looks and it’s a great way to make a somewhat empty space (like my apartment- i am seriously lacking in furniture) and make it feel more busy and full.
i love these colorful rings from seven ply’s etsy shop and the fact that they’re made out of recycled skateboards makes them even cooler! i could definitely see lou rocking one of these couldn’t you?
they also make really cool earrings, necklaces and belt buckles:
lately i am completely obsessed with lace curtains…ever since i went to our creative director’s home and saw her bathroom, which is draped with lace instead of walls, i have been wanting to get some for my place. they add such a soft touch to a room, and i love the way light looks when it streams through, creating patterns on the floor. my place is a big open studio sort of like hers, so there are lots of opportunities to try this – the beaded curtain in my bedroom doorway is looking like it will be replaced pretty soon…
