a party!!

Hand- woven silk batiked billow sleeve blouse with Russian pantaloons of hemp/ tencel blend twill

Wrap Vest made from fair trade, hand- woven, silk/ cotton paisley with hemp/ tencel blend twill pencil skirt

**** photos by Jason Robinette ****

here it comes!

This Friday, August 14th from 6-9 I will be hosting a space- warming event at workshop (818 west 18th street chicago, il 60608).... I am beyond excited and tired is the understatement of all time. In two months time, I taught an early college seminar in fashion design and construction (monday through friday from 9-4!!!) moved my entire studio, began fall production, pushed out spring 2010 samples, had a photo shoot, and put together a brand spanking new shop. I feel like the octo-mom right now.... so many babies I don't even know which one to nurture. I am proud of them all, but mommy needs a vacation! I suppose they say there will be time to sleep when you are dead. I have to say that these million projects/ jobs/ careers did not all come to fruition with my efforts alone. There were so many supportive hands from friends, family, and lovers. Thank you to all- I am beyond grateful- and could not have gotten anything done without your physical and mental support. So really, it is all of you that this party is for- let's kick back and have some bubbly from the lovelies who run Lush Wine and Spirits (it's organic!) and some cheeses from the kindest cheese people ever over at the Great American Cheese Collection... i think it will be a lovely event- and I hope to see the chicago peeps for sure! Sorry i don't have a shnazzy flyer to throw up here- but I do have some images from the fall collection to wet your appetite- Oh I almost forgot to mention that I will be offering a 20% discount on all new fall frei pieces the night of the party! I truly hope to see all of your beautiful faces- stay tuned for more images soon....

at last....

so, it is finally coming together- the little shop in pilsen. I am calling it workshop for several reasons, you see my studio is in the back, sort of like a see-through kitchen where you can watch the chefs prepare your food. The "work" and the "shop" are separated by a high desk/ counter for checking out purposes. I also plan on having workshop classes at the space in the studio area, everything from sewing 101 which will include hemming trousers, and basic sewing techniques, to rubbing patterns, wrap skirt forum, and learning to make your own farmers market tote bag. I am really excited about all the possibilities this new space will afford me! The coolest thing is that I am right off of the second friday gallery walk area- and I plan on having events that coincide once a month. Here are a few images but there are many more to come. I will keep posted about new developments. Currently the new space is slotted to open on August 14th with a big party. I can get it together in 2 weeks, right?

Upcoming Events......

Please join the girls of frei and other local designers at this event coming up...
lots of deep discounts on frei overstock and samples!

More Upcoming Events!

This is going to be an excellent event... a great opportunity to engage in a discussion with young entrepreneurs that are creating sustainable business communities! I am one of the designers who will be featured in the round table discussion- I will also have many of my spring/ summer 2009 collection for sale at Pivot during this event.
Come out and meet some talented and interesting people!

free will astrology

strumming my pain with his fingers.... singing my life with his words....
Rob Brezny you are my hero! Check out the truest- my horoscope as deciphered by
Mr. Brezny right here:

Aquarius Horoscope for week of May 14, 2009

Verticle Oracle card Aquarius (January 20-February 19)
Scientists find previously unknown species of plants and animals all the time, usually consisting of tiny populations in remote locations. But the latest addition to the great catalog of life is a species whose members number in the millions and cover a huge swath of Ethiopia. It's a tree that botanists have never had a name for until now: Acacia fumosa. Unlike other acacias, it produces pink blooms in the dry season instead of yellow or pink flowers in the wet season. I predict that you will soon have a comparable experience, Aquarius: You'll "discover" and identify a unique wellspring that has been around forever but unknown to you. As you tap into its charms, I trust that you will make up for lost time.

and read yours here.

oh karl, you did it again....

i know- the man kind of gives me the willies....
but this collection touches me in all the romantic places-
i feel like the nooks and crannies of my soul are filled with silk
tulle, dip dyed under frocks, and hand made spider web laces....
add some Klimt hair-styles, smokey eyes, a 20's flapper vibe,
along with transparent, silky, Parisian stripes and i am done, done, done!
these are a few looks from the chanel 2010 resort collection fresh from a
gorgeous beach boardwalk runway at dusk!
just stunning....

Designer Spotlight: Frei Designs

Designer Spotlight: Frei Designs

Posted using ShareThis
check out frei featured in Chicago's Newcity....
lots of great images in the boutiqueville magazine... here is just one, for goodness sake- who doesn't love this dress?