For many, everyday dressing doesn’t involve much thought.
For others, such as style icons Linda Rodin, Nicole Richie, and Carrie Bradshaw, dressing is a form of self-expression, and dare we say, even an art form.
With the fashion world in constant evolution, there is a plethora of styles and brands to choose from.
Free People, an apparel and lifestyle brand, offers creatives and fashionistas a bohemian, feminine style with vintage elements. Always pushing the boundaries of fashion and creativity, Free People is a sought-after brand by the general public and celebrities alike.
However, the brand is so expensive, it might be out of reach for many. Let’s explore the factors that contribute to the brand’s exclusivity and why Free People is so expensive in the United States.
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The Origin of Free People
Free People was founded in the early 1970s by Richard “Dick” Hayne in Philadelphia Pennsylvania as a clothing store catering to local young people.
As its popularity grew, Hayes changed the name to Urban Outfitters, only to switch back to Free People in 1984 to become a part of Urban Outfitters, Inc.
Free People’s sister companies include the popular Anthropologie, BHLDN, Terrain, and the Vetri family restaurant group.
Its flagship store is located in Rockefeller Center in New York City, and the company has 1,400 specialty stores worldwide and 136 free-standing locations in the United States and Canada.
5 Reasons Why Free People is so Expensive?
Free People aims to offer products that reflect “a high level of quality, invoking attributes of femininity, spirit, and creativity in its design.”
As such, this results in a higher cost to consumers. Let’s explore the factors that lead to the high price tags.
1. Luxurious, Avant-Garde Materials
As Free People aims to offer one-of-a-kind clothing and accessories, their creative team sources high-quality fabrics and materials for their designs.
It is not uncommon for them to use organic cotton, leather, silk, wool, cashmere, and even exotic animal hair to create unique looks and silhouettes that are also comfortable and durable.
Free People’s commitment to eco-friendly practices means that they focus on sourcing ethical materials that align with their values..
Thus, the cost of sourcing such high-quality, ethical materials directly impacts the cost passed on to the consumer in exchange for a striking, eco-friendly statement piece.
2. Hand-Crafted Details
In addition to sourcing luxurious fabrics, Free People is manufactured in India and employs skilled artisans to create unparalleled fine details, such as embroidery and beading.
Considered the “Picasso of Fashion,” Free People takes pride in creating designs that are works of art and exude creativity, femininity, and individuality.
Such extraordinary craftsmanship allows the brand to stand out from the rest while ensuring fair wages and humane working conditions for hard-working crafters.
While the detailed craftsmanship involved in creating each piece may increase the cost to the consumer, it is worth it to know that they include ethical manufacturing practices that empower skilled workers.
3. Marketing and Advertising
Free People seeks art and creativity in every area of their business. This includes their marketing and advertising.
During a time when most companies focus on digital and social media for their advertising campaigns, Free People still produces print marketing materials in the form of catalogs to capture the brand’s uniqueness.
Additionally, they also include collaborations with influencers for their social media campaigns.
While expensive, Free People’s off-the-beaten-path marketing allows them to be unapologetically unique and free-spirited, which unfortunately, results in a higher cost to buyers.
4. Designer Collaborations
Divine fabrics, unique details, and thoughtful designs aren’t the only things adding to the brand’s exclusivity.
To create tantalizing moments, Free People collaborates with celebrated designers, artists, and brands to create exclusive, limited-edition collections.
However, as a way to support obscure creatives and keep a pulse on the newest trends, the brand also collaborates with emerging designers.
Licensing fees, joint marketing campaigns, and resource sharing contribute to Free People’s expensive price tags.
5. An Alluring Brand
With higher perceived value comes a higher demand.
As celebrities and the fashion-savvy crowd wear Free People garments and accessories, the allure of the brand reaches higher levels.
It is no wonder, then, that the more coveted the brand becomes and the more famous the individual curating the pieces into distinctive chic styles, the brand increases in value and cost.
Final Thoughts on the High Cost of Free People
If you treat what you wear as an extension of your unique personality and a way to showcase your creativity, then you know that Free People is a brand that allows you to express your individuality.
While many factors explain why Free People is so expensive, the brand makes the higher cost worthwhile with its luxurious materials, fine craftsmanship, and responsible practices.
