Named after a cross-section in Uptown New Orleans, Freret & Napoleon was created by Tiffany Langlinais in November 2013 and has since grown into a clothing and accessories brand that echos the strengthening up-and-coming attitude of the neighborhood and vibrating energy pulsating from the community.

While the oyster shells have become a trademark of Freret & Napolean, Tiffany first began the line as a clothing designer as the accessories and jewelry manifested themselves into the perfect accents.

Last year after moving from Jackson to New Orleans, Tiffany began designing her own clothes after getting a “big girl” job and being dissatisfied with the bland corporate wardrobe.

“I’ve always been a big fan of wearing fun and outrageous things,” she said. “It didn’t matter if it wasn’t matching or if it was just downright weird. I simply enjoyed the feeling I had when I knew that my outfit was truly different, bold, and made me feel fantastic.”

From that point Tiffany purchased her first sewing machine and began making pieces for herself. Within a month she found out she’d be participating in Fashion Week New Orleans.

Tiffany describes participating in Fashion Week New Orleans as one of the highlights of her year-and the year isn’t half way over yet!

“Being in the atmosphere of such driven, creative, and artistic people, I could barely keep myself together because I was so enthused by the aura that they put off,” she said. “Other people would resort to Red Bull or pixie stix, but I was solely propelled on the environment I was in.”

FWNOLA was the springboard to Freret & Napoleon and Tiffany said she knows she will be back.

She’s currently working diligently in putting together a summer capsule collection in time for Spring/Summer 2015. Staying true to their oyster statement, she is working with her newest team member -her sister- on creating one-of-a-kind hand sketched patterns to transfer to real-life fabrics.

Tiffany said she’d love to introduce a swimwear line with the prints in the future.

“I’m always looking for something different, new, and fresh, and I want to be able to provide that to those other individuals that feel the same way,” she said.

Tiffany said her favorite piece from the collection is “The Signature” necklace.

“I’ve always tried to be super resourceful and transitional in all the ways that I wear any of my jewelry and clothing and one of the great things about this piece is that I can wear it backwards,” she said. “I have one particular jumpsuit that is backless and it provides the perfect combination of edgy and straightforward when I throw on “The Signature” and swing it around to the back.” (Click here to see!)

Freret & Napolean handpicks their oyster shells from the Gulf Coast and each shell goes through a lengthy process of handcleaning then handpainting. Each shell is unique and offered on necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings and even headbands and body chains!

Yesterday I had the pleasure of styling “The Toulouse” tassel necklace-similar to “The Signature.” It has officially become my favorite necklace. See the full boho-inspired outfit here.

Huge thanks to Freret & Napolean! I’m so excited to see this company grow. Be sure to check out their new website and keep up with SF on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Pinterest!

Photos by Katie Hope