Designer Spotlight: Susan and Diane Freis

Diane Freis is American fashion designer known for her bohemian inspired dresses in multiple fabrics and bright colors. With her eye-catching prints, and comfortable fit she captured the boho chic style of the late 1970s and 1980’s. Diana Freis was famous for creating one-size, easy to wear dresses. Her flowing polyester georgette dresses were popular among the jet set crowd because of their great functionality while traveling. They are light-weighted, loose fitting and comfortable (often with an elastic waist!) and they don’t wrinkle. Her style exudes excess, opulence, glamor and femininity.

Born in Los Angeles, Diane Freis began designing clothes while studying Fine Arts at the University of California. Her big break was in the late 1970’s she crafted military inspired jacket and sold them to Hollywood boutique where they were popular among celebrities such as John Lennon and Diana Ross. Her sister, Susan is also a fashion designer and collaborates with Diane on multiple lines.

  Diane was the primary designer in the Diane Freis label and as demand grew, she brought her sister, Susan, on board. You can find Susan’s name on a line called “Assorti” as well, which is also under the Freis sisters’ design umbrella. In 1985 Susan decided to start with her own company and separated from the Diana Freis label because liked simpler things with more structure. This was quite a contradiction to the free flowing, multi-print dresses she designed previously. In contrast to Diane’s designs Susan’s dresses were figure revealing and form fitting, and she started to use shoulder pads.

Together, the Freis sisters are excellent examples of vintage American fashion design from the 70’s and 80’s and we are happy to carry several items from their lines!

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