Introducing: Free People, the haute boho brand’s first international outpost
Introducing: Free People, the haute boho brand’s first international outpost
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).
Click here to check out the store and see our favourite pieces »
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- Socks, $32
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- Lace bra, $48
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- Floral-patterned knitted cardigan, $198
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- Chiffon two-tone maxi dress with beaded neckline, $298
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- Vegan leather motorcycle jacket, $198
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- Intimately Free People slip, $98
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- Hippie cuff thermal, $78
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- Embroidered stretch dress with low back, $148
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- Striped dress, $128
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- Studded backpack, $148
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- Faux fur vest, $198
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- Faux fur hooded parka, $298
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- Patched skinny jeans, $168
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- Boho iPhone holders
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- A mannequin sporting Intimately Free People wear
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- Some of the lingerie in the shop-in-shop downstairs
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- The store has a small collection of bags and accessories, jewellery and socks
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- An inspiration wall that evokes the brand’s bohemian feel
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- The dressing rooms on the second floor
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- The second floor
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- Some of the fall looks
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- The staff put out the store’s decked-out bicycle every morning at opening
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- 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
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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.