Introducing: Free People, the haute boho brand’s first international outpost
Introducing: Free People, the haute boho brand’s first international outpost
By Frances McInnis | September 17, 2012
By Frances McInnis | 09/17/2012
Free People opened on Yorkville Avenue in early August, already fully stocked with fall merchandise, but it’s only now that the weather is cooling that we’re ready to contemplate the chunky cardigans and vegan leather jackets on offer. The company’s first stand-alone store outside the U.S. is located in the former home of Salon Daniel in Yorkville, a space the company chose for its eclectic, cozy vibe (since amplified with new homespun decor). A lower-level space in the same building now houses the brand’s first attached lingerie shop—which we suppose makes sense, since many of the sheer and crocheted pieces upstairs look best worn with colourful underthings or lacy slips.
Those familiar with the brand from The Bay and smaller retailers across the city will find more of the boho vintage-inspired garments catering to women in their mid-to-late 20s, though there is the odd edgier or preppier piece mixed in. (The idea, it would seem, is to capture shoppers who are maturing out of the aesthetic and price point of sister brand Urban Outfitters but perhaps aren’t quite ready for Anthropologie, which is also owned by Urban Outfitter, Inc. ) The Toronto store has a particular focus on denim, and Blank NYC jeans are among the few non-house-brand items (the others are Wildfox sweatshirts and the occasional pair of shoes).
163313 (Image: Erin Simkin) Introducing: Free People Introducing: Free People https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-intro-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-intro.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-intro.jpg 656 420 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-free-people/slide/sept12-free-people-intro/ sept12-free-people-intro 0 0
(Image: Erin Simkin)
163299 Socks, $32 (Image: Erin Simkin) Introducing: Free People Introducing: Free People https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-16-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-16.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-16.jpg 482 650 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-free-people/slide/sept12-free-people-16/ sept12-free-people-16 0 0
(Image: Erin Simkin)
163300 Lace bra, $48 (Image: Erin Simkin) Introducing: Free People Introducing: Free People https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-17-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-17.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-17.jpg 624 430 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-free-people/slide/sept12-free-people-17/ sept12-free-people-17 0 0
(Image: Erin Simkin)
163305 Floral-patterned knitted cardigan, $198 (Image: Erin Simkin) Introducing: Free People Introducing: Free People https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-22-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-22.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-22.jpg 380 650 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-free-people/slide/sept12-free-people-22/ sept12-free-people-22 0 0
(Image: Erin Simkin)
163303 Chiffon two-tone maxi dress with beaded neckline, $298 (Image: Erin Simkin) Introducing: Free People Introducing: Free People https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-20-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-20.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-20.jpg 380 650 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-free-people/slide/sept12-free-people-20/ sept12-free-people-20 0 0
(Image: Erin Simkin)
163297 Vegan leather motorcycle jacket, $198 (Image: Erin Simkin) Introducing: Free People Introducing: Free People https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-14-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-14.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-14.jpg 482 650 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-free-people/slide/sept12-free-people-14/ sept12-free-people-14 0 0
(Image: Erin Simkin)
163302 Intimately Free People slip, $98 (Image: Erin Simkin) Introducing: Free People Introducing: Free People https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-19-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-19.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-19.jpg 380 650 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-free-people/slide/sept12-free-people-19/ sept12-free-people-19 0 0
(Image: Erin Simkin)
163298 Hippie cuff thermal, $78 (Image: Erin Simkin) Introducing: Free People Introducing: Free People https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-15-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-15.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-15.jpg 482 650 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-free-people/slide/sept12-free-people-15/ sept12-free-people-15 0 0
(Image: Erin Simkin)
163304 Embroidered stretch dress with low back, $148 (Image: Erin Simkin) Introducing: Free People Introducing: Free People https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-21-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-21.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-21.jpg 380 650 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-free-people/slide/sept12-free-people-21/ sept12-free-people-21 0 0
(Image: Erin Simkin)
163301 Striped dress, $128 (Image: Erin Simkin) Introducing: Free People Introducing: Free People https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-18-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-18.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-18.jpg 380 650 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-free-people/slide/sept12-free-people-18/ sept12-free-people-18 0 0
(Image: Erin Simkin)
163296 Studded backpack, $148 (Image: Erin Simkin) Introducing: Free People Introducing: Free People https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-13-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-13.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-13.jpg 482 650 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-free-people/slide/sept12-free-people-13/ sept12-free-people-13 0 0
(Image: Erin Simkin)
163295 Faux fur vest, $198 (Image: Erin Simkin) Introducing: Free People Introducing: Free People https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-12-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-12.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-12.jpg 482 650 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-free-people/slide/sept12-free-people-12/ sept12-free-people-12 0 0
(Image: Erin Simkin)
163294 Faux fur hooded parka, $298 (Image: Erin Simkin) Introducing: Free People Introducing: Free People https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-11-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-11.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-11.jpg 430 650 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-free-people/slide/sept12-free-people-11/ sept12-free-people-11 0 0
(Image: Erin Simkin)
163293 Patched skinny jeans, $168 (Image: Erin Simkin) Introducing: Free People Introducing: Free People https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-10-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-10.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-10.jpg 430 650 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-free-people/slide/sept12-free-people-10/ sept12-free-people-10 0 0
(Image: Erin Simkin)
163292 Boho iPhone holders (Image: Erin Simkin) Introducing: Free People Introducing: Free People https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-9-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-9.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-9.jpg 624 430 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-free-people/slide/sept12-free-people-9/ sept12-free-people-9 0 0
(Image: Erin Simkin)
163291 A mannequin sporting Intimately Free People wear (Image: Erin Simkin) Introducing: Free People Introducing: Free People https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-8-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-8.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-8.jpg 380 650 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-free-people/slide/sept12-free-people-8/ sept12-free-people-8 0 0
(Image: Erin Simkin)
163288 Some of the lingerie in the shop-in-shop downstairs (Image: Erin Simkin) Introducing: Free People Introducing: Free People https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-5-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-5.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-5.jpg 624 430 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-free-people/slide/sept12-free-people-5/ sept12-free-people-5 0 0
(Image: Erin Simkin)
163290 The store has a small collection of bags and accessories, jewellery and socks (Image: Erin Simkin) Introducing: Free People Introducing: Free People https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-7-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-7.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-7.jpg 430 650 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-free-people/slide/sept12-free-people-7/ sept12-free-people-7 0 0
(Image: Erin Simkin)
163289 An inspiration wall that evokes the brand’s bohemian feel (Image: Erin Simkin) Introducing: Free People Introducing: Free People https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-6-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-6.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-6.jpg 430 650 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-free-people/slide/sept12-free-people-6/ sept12-free-people-6 0 0
(Image: Erin Simkin)
163287 The dressing rooms on the second floor (Image: Erin Simkin) Introducing: Free People Introducing: Free People https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-4-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-4.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-4.jpg 624 430 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-free-people/slide/sept12-free-people-4/ sept12-free-people-4 0 0
(Image: Erin Simkin)
163286 The second floor (Image: Erin Simkin) Introducing: Free People Introducing: Free People https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-3-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-3.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-3.jpg 624 430 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-free-people/slide/sept12-free-people-3/ sept12-free-people-3 0 0
(Image: Erin Simkin)
163285 Some of the fall looks (Image: Erin Simkin) Introducing: Free People Introducing: Free People https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-2-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-2.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-2.jpg 482 650 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-free-people/slide/sept12-free-people-2/ sept12-free-people-2 0 0
(Image: Erin Simkin)
163284 The staff put out the store’s decked-out bicycle every morning at opening (Image: Erin Simkin) Introducing: Free People Introducing: Free People https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-1b-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-1b.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-1b.jpg 624 430 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-free-people/slide/sept12-free-people-1b/ sept12-free-people-1b 0 0
(Image: Erin Simkin)
163283 The apparel is on the main floor and the second floor, while Intimately Free People, a shop-in-shop store downstairs, stocks lingerie and sleepwear (Image: Erin Simkin) Introducing: Free People Introducing: Free People https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-1-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-1.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-free-people-1.jpg 430 650 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-free-people/slide/sept12-free-people-1/ sept12-free-people-1 0 0
(Image: Erin Simkin)
Free People, 79 Yorkville Avenue, 416–515–1555 freepeople.com
I LOVE Free People! I’m so excited to have found this article, I had no idea they opened their own store in Toronto.
Previously I was stuck with having to go to The Bay where they merchandised Free People like a bargin bin, ugh. I eventually gave up on The Bay and started shopping online, which was great, but it’s still really nice to try the stuff on.