Toivo Freeman-Pilt says Valentino interest validates his creative path
Sunday 25th October 2026 on 09:30 in
Estonia
Artist and fashion designer Toivo Freeman-Pilt said a designer from Valentino had discussed the possibility of working with him, which made him think he was on the right path. He spoke on ERR’s programme “Hommik Anuga”.
Freeman-Pilt describes himself as an artist who works across disciplines, including painting, fashion and sculpture. He said he had discovered that he loves creating rather than destroying, after living a varied and eventful life.
Reaching fashion festivals takes effort, he said, starting with smaller events and stages. He now sees reflections of his work in other designers’ creations. “When a Valentino designer sits down with me and says, ‘You know, I see a point in working with you,’ it makes me think I’m probably doing the right thing,” he said.
Freeman-Pilt spent his youth on Saaremaa partying and getting into trouble with friends. He opened his first nightclub at 21 and said he spent the money he earned as soon as he got it. He now views that period as an investment in experiences that have shaped how he sees life.
For a time, he also ran various businesses in Thailand, including a property business, furnishing villas and selling furniture brought in from northern Thailand. He said rumours that he had dealt drugs were false, and that he opposed the trade.
He said a boat he helped build was initially intended as a floating nightclub, but later became a casino boat. After local contacts suggested operating a casino in international waters, he agreed, drawn by the potential earnings. He said he realised in time that he needed to stop, adding that he had feared for his life more than once.
Freeman-Pilt said he drank heavily for about 10 years, sometimes from morning until morning, and was admitted to hospital five times with problems affecting his pancreas. He said he understood on the fifth occasion that he had to stop drinking.
After quitting alcohol, he began smoking cannabis, which he said initially eased things. But he stopped that too, saying he struggled to set limits. He added that people should consider whether they can control their use by trying to quit.