For Chicago fashionistas, local designer Annie Novotny is already a familiar name. Her line, Frei Designs, has been featured in outlets like Daily Candy, Lucky Magazine, and Treehugger {to name a few}. An Art Institute of Chicago grad, Frei uses sustainable and fair trade fabrics, vegetable-based dyes, and recycled materials to create a soft, feminine collection that, in my mind, emphasizes natural beauty.
Yesterday, on a whim, I stopped in to her Pilsen boutique, Workshop, just west of Halsted on 18th. While trying to locate and stay focused on a dress for a quickly approaching family wedding, it was impossible to resist a purchase. Workshop features Annie's overstock from past collection as well as pieces from her current collection. Community-minded, the shop stocks works from fellow designers, such as Abigail Glaum-Lathbury {another personal favorite - more work available at p.45}, and works with local artists to do site-specific window displays and/or installations {contact info@freidesigns.com if you're interested}. Annie also teaches art and design classes at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and through the city of Chicago's After School Matters program.
Workshop is located at 818 W 18th Street in Chicago. An e-commerce site is coming soon to workshopchicago.com. For a list of nation-wide Frei Desigsns stockists, see freidesigns.com. Custom work, including wedding gowns and bridal party dresses, are available.
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