The Evolution of Freedom Clothing Collective

Several weeks ago, I taxied past Freedom Clothing Collective and noticed that their windows were papered over. In the world of independent design, this usually means that a store has met its maker. Luckily Freedom was just doing some renovations and on Friday, April 27, they reopened their doors to the hungry public.

I arrived somewhat late, and found the store packed full of fashion lovers checking out the merchandise. I didn't see a lot of new designers in the store, but some of my favourite pieces were Embody's plaid jacket with the asymmetrical zipper, Beata Dirycz's pink knit minidress and the reworked vintage cocktail dresses created by the resident Freedom Clothing designers.

At the cash counter, there was a magazine rack with an assortment of independently published magazines, such as Hot Dick by Laura McCoy, which brought back ancient memories of my own teenage 'zine writing days. A number of artists had work featured on the walls above the clothing racks, including Marielle Gonzalez, Blair Claxton and Cameron North.

Overall, the renovations gave the store a cleaner, more polished appearance. It's great to see a group of independent artists work together to make a successful and progressive boutique.