Shopaholics EXCLUSIVE ... Geren Ford

There is nothing in this world that can separate fashion designer Geren Ford from her three predilections – Paris, movies, and boho chic.

Incorporating these three major elements into her design, it is not surprising to see how women who put style first, from the Hollywood Hills to the fashionable Bangsar, immediately fall in love when they first encounter with her designs.

Exclusive to Shopaholics Anonymous Malaysia, the former Otis and Parson alumna took some time from her hectic schedule (she was in the midst of creating new collection) and answered my intriguing questions recently.

Why do you choose to incorporate dreamy cinematic moments in your collection design?

Those moments are the fabric of my live, I feel that anything we remember so well we can feel it is worth trying to re-create.

Are you a self-confessed movie buff?

I love movies, old and new and wish I had more time to spend watching them in the last few years.

How do you define the characteristics of woman who wears Geren Ford?

Our woman is confident, chic, makes her own decisions and loves life.

Apart from cinematic moments like lying on the beach at St. Barts or gazing at Eiffel Tower from your Parisian hotel room, what else do you look upon as inspiration?

Architecture, craft, photography, luxury auction house catalogues and my friends and co-workers.

Much of your designs feature relaxed Bohemian style elements like embroidered wide off-shoulder necklines. Do you see yourself as a eternally Bohemian girl?

Boho chic.... but for sure more conservative than a true boho girl.

So what is the tale and inspiration behind your forthcoming autumn/winter 2008 ready-to-wear collection?

Paris, Paris, Paris...the colours the details and the take away, all of it is Paris today a bit glossier and richer than the Paris of past years.

I didn't see any bags and shoes accompanying your ready-to-wear collection. Are they included in your future expansion plan?

Yes, shoes and handbags and accessories are for sure in our future. We've done limited runs in the past and true craft is involved in those categories. Look out for these in 09!

Besides designing lifestyle wear and sportswear, do you have any intention to foray into lavish eveningwear market and start dressing up the stars for Oscars and Grammys someday?

We do special projects from time to time, and both evening and bridal are worlds that intrigue me...you never know!

Geren Ford's Fall/Winter ready-to-wear 2008 collection will be available at Maizen Maison starting August onwards.

*Photos courtesy of Geren Ford. Many thanks to Debrah for facilitating this interview and also to Geren herself for her time and cooperation.

Geren Ford at Maizen Maison - 3rd Floor, Parkson Pavilion, 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.