Online shopping is, admittedly, booming along, and becoming more and more influential in style of the blogosphere (in particular). I have fallen in love with how far-reaching (literally and figuratively) the style of FreePeople.com is, and had the chance to catch up with the Director of Design and Image, Ana, and the Creative Director, Doub, about their work and what Free People is about:
1. Hey hey, how’s it going?
Ana: Awesome!
Doub: Great!
2. To start with, what is Free People’s approach to fashion and style on an everyday basis?
Ana: We want everyone to feel unique and special in a casual way.
Doub: We want girls to feel individual. We have such a unique blend of people here who inspire us. We want people to have fun with fashion and not be intimidated by it. Even have a sense of humor with it at times.
3. In all the pieces you come up with, where does your design philosophy stand?
Doub: We are inspired by life and the people around us.
Ana: Sometimes it just comes from wanting to design pretty things.
4. What would you describe the vibe of Free People as being?
Ana: Relaxed.
Doub: Excited.
Ana: Optimistic.
Doub: Fun.
5. And is that basically the message you want to get across to people internationally?
Ana: Yes. Our girl and message are definitely cross border.
Ana: Awesome!
Doub: Great!
2. To start with, what is Free People’s approach to fashion and style on an everyday basis?
Ana: We want everyone to feel unique and special in a casual way.
Doub: We want girls to feel individual. We have such a unique blend of people here who inspire us. We want people to have fun with fashion and not be intimidated by it. Even have a sense of humor with it at times.
3. In all the pieces you come up with, where does your design philosophy stand?
Doub: We are inspired by life and the people around us.
Ana: Sometimes it just comes from wanting to design pretty things.
4. What would you describe the vibe of Free People as being?
Ana: Relaxed.
Doub: Excited.
Ana: Optimistic.
Doub: Fun.
5. And is that basically the message you want to get across to people internationally?
Ana: Yes. Our girl and message are definitely cross border.
6. So I’ve seen how 2009 was a huge year for you guys in terms of growing and amazing fashion forwardness – what do you imagine 2010 will be like?
Doub: We’re growing internally, which is exciting and we think it will lead to overall growth.
Ana: We hope to continue growing and surprising our customer.
7. Anything else special planned for 2010?
Ana: Secrets and exciting surprises.
Doub: And magic carpet rides.
8. I’m really interested to hear – what kind of work goes into working through and selecting the products that make it to stores in the States and the online store?
Ana: That’s more of a buying question, because they decide where to put what. It’s exciting that we can take more risks online. We’re really excited about our online growth and designing for our customer there.
9. Who’s your favourite style icon of the momento?
Doub: Isabella Blow
10. What’s the biggest style trend you see coming to the fore this year?
Ana: That’s a big secret, but you’ll see soon enough. We are loving boxy baby dolls dresses right now.
11. And last of all, what’s a random question would you guys like to ask the next interviewee?
Doub: The questions we love to ask employees and guests on our BLDG 15 blog is: What would the name of your band be and what genre? What instruments do you play in this band?
12. And here’s a custom-Margaret question for you: Cheese of Chocolate? (admittedly, I’m thinking about fondue)
Ana: Both!
Doub: Chocolate
Thank you both for your time! I'd also like to give a special thanks to Kathryn O'Connor.
Check out Free People HERE.
I'm pretty sure you'll all love them as much as I do.
P.S. How great are those overalls :O
*love*
xx
