I’ve become quite taken with the Hong Kong based designer Diane Freis of late and this dress is the latest addition to my collection of her dresses (now numbering 3 and growing). It’s actually by her sister Susan who designed under the label ‘Assorti’ but still carries all the hall marks of the Freis signature look- The prints were usually exotic, the designs included pretty florals, dramatic geometrics, bold stripes, and plaids, with embroidery and beading as particular features of the look.
If you’d like to read up on Diane Freis I’ve found this wonderful article, here is an excerpt:
” Diane Freis is one of the few Hong Kong-based designers to have gained an international reputation. Hers is a typical Hong Kong success story, based on hard work and determination. Since arriving in the territory in 1973, she built a commercially successful brand name that became a role model for Hong Kong manufacturing.
The Freis signature is represented by multicolored prints applied to one-size, easy-care dresses, primarily designed in polyester georgette. Noncrushable and easy-to-pack, they have presented a travel solution for higher income, more mature women in search of a glamorous and feminine look. The fashion philosophy is pragmatic: Freis stresses the importance “of making a one-size dress that allows the freedom of fit in our daily schedules of health programmes one day and over-indulgence the next.” With their hallmark elasticated waists and shirring, the dresses covered imperfections but would never be called dowdy. The prints were usually exotic, the designs included pretty florals, dramatic geometrics, bold stripes, and plaids, with embroidery and beading as particular features of the look. Besides her traditional georgette, Freis has used silk, cotton, and wool coordinates, hand-knits for casual daywear, and chiffon and taffeta for grand evening ensembles.”
Have you got a designer from another era that you like or collect? I know I’m not alone on this one!
What I’m wearing:
Vintage dress: Assorti for Diane Freis
Heels: ‘Betty’ from Shoesales.com.au
Rings: Samantha Wills
Watch: Longines
Orange leather cuff: Dimacci
Tiger cuff: Imagination
Nails: Shellac in ‘Tropix’ done at Miss Fox
I’ve taken these photos using my new HYPOP photography kit of which I’m giving one away currently on the blog so make sure you check out the give away. It’s he-UGE!