About The Frock Shoppe

The Frock Shoppe is the creation of Liz Lebrija, a brilliant seamstress and a strong force of creative energy.

 

In 1977, a spark ignited that would shape the next 48 years of one woman’s extraordinary journey through the vibrant, eccentric, and often unpredictable world of Renaissance fairs. What began as a modest shop at the Texas Renaissance Festival blossomed into a decades-long adventure filled with artistry, friendship, and a passion for global culture.

Before the ruffled shirts and laced corsets, there were beach wraps and sun-kissed fabrics. The journey began in sunny Santa Barbara, California, with a beachwear line called Liz, a free-spirited brand that captured the laid-back coastal energy of the time. But it didn’t take long before the call of something more theatrical and transformative beckoned. The magic and madness of Renaissance fairs offered a new creative frontier—one that married costume, craft, and storytelling.

The first step into that world was with a humble shop at the Texas Renaissance Festival called The Frock Shoppe by Liz. It was a leap into the unknown—but one that would lead to a lifetime of creative fulfillment. Over the next 48 years, Renaissance fairs grew—not just in size and popularity, but in the richness of community. Along the way, she forged countless friendships, met endlessly fascinating characters, and found her tribe among performers, artists, and dreamers.

Her inspiration didn’t stop at the gates of the faire. With a hunger for culture and creativity, she spent years traveling the world—collecting ideas, fabrics, and techniques from distant lands. Her travels took her through the colorful markets of Thailand, the historic charm of England, the sunburnt coasts of Australia, and the vibrant spirit of Mexico.

It was in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, that her artistic path took a more refined turn. There, she immersed herself in art lessons, learning to hand-dye textiles with traditional techniques. It was a time of exploration, of deepening skill, and of reconnecting to the tactile joy of fabric-making.

Eventually, after decades on the road and in the booth, she returned to her hometown of Houston, Texas. But her life was forever transformed—stitched together by the places she had seen, the people she had met, and the Renaissance fair world she helped shape.

As this chapter evolves, she is proud to announce that her dear friend and longtime protégé, Elizabeth Ray, will be taking over the day-to-day operations. Elizabeth brings her own spark, skill, and heart to the role, ensuring that the spirit of the work continues to thrive. With this transition, she steps into a new role as CEO—one that allows her to guide the vision, nurture the legacy, and continue weaving her story into the fabric of the future.