Free People Clothing: Where It Started and Where It is Now

by Hannah Charleston

Free People clothing is currently one of the hottest lines available for college age and up-and-coming urban professionals. By employing some of the country’s most creative young designers and listening to the needs of their customers, they have quickly grown into the company providing each season’s ‘must-have’ clothing and accessories.

History of Free People

It was way back in the 1970s when the first Free People store was opened. Dick Hayne was the owner and he began his business in Philadelphia. He was talented at finding clothing that was just right for young urban dwellers who had a need to express themselves. Hayne’s store quickly became very popular. One store turned into two and the name changed to Urban Outfitters.

Hayne’s wife, Meg, was put in charge of the private label division, which produced clothes exclusive to Urban Outfitters. Demand nearly outstripped supply for these unique pieces. In response, Hayne instituted a wholesale line. It quickly took off and the two different businesses were separated. The wholesale company was known by several different names, including Bulldog and Anthropologie, before it finally went on to become Free People once again and regained its roots.

Free People Clothing Today

Free People strives to fill the need for young women to express their femininity, spirit, and courage, while appealing to a more mature clientele. The company has kept its quality high and prices affordable in order to reach its target demographic of a 26-year-old woman with an adventurous, creative spirit.

All of the design and production is done in-house. This allows Free People to create a full and diverse line of clothing to suit nearly any twenty-something woman, whether her style is softly feminine or more carefree tomboy. They offer options that allow a woman to mix and match pieces and patterns and colors. Free People clothes are appropriate on the beach, at a club, or even in a casual workplace.

Their specialties include knits, sweaters, and skirts, from on-the-town fashionable to weekend casual. Their newest additions include a line of intimates and accessories. These new lines include a variety of jewelry, shoes, belts, and even fake eyelashes and black lipstick. Bras, slips, and panties in edgy styles and materials can also be found. Hats and bags perfect for the beach are some of their current seasonal items.

Where to Find Free People

There are only three showrooms nationwide and these are located in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. Two department stores carry their products. The bulk of their sales comes from specialty stores and boutiques – both online and traditional bricks and mortar.

The best place to find the fabulous seasonal styles of Free People is an online store. Often you can find a piece from last season and pay half the original cost or less. A large inventory and exceptional deals can be found at an internet boutique.

Free People clothing is de rigueur for any woman in her twenties who wants to look fashionable and chic without breaking the bank. You cannot beat the quality, price, or styling. So go ahead and update your wardrobe by doing a bit of virtual shopping now.

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