INTERVIEW BY: MYRIAM BOUCHENAFA, FW WRITER

Faren is a young and vibrant fashion designer, born and raised in Ontario, Canada. She started to sew clothes for her dolls at the age of 11 and later, graduated with a Bachelor of Design from Ryerson University.
Last year she worked as an assistant designer for Numode apparel, assisting top Canadian fashion designer, David Dixon.
In 2009, Faren won the New Labels® Designer of the Year, awarded by Elle Canada and the Toronto Fashion Incubator. Since then, Faren has been working on developing her line; her brand and making her dream come true.

FW: When did you know you wanted to be a Fashion Designer?
When I was about 10, I remember telling my dad that I wanted to be a fashion designer and he told me that I needed to learn to sew – so I started. I had a real passion and kind of always knew. I love everything about it, the sketching, the fabrics, etc. Everything fits together. And my grandma was a tailor in Italy so I guess you can say I have it in my blood.
FW: When did you realize it was actually going to happen?
I realized that if you are really passionate you have to make it happen. It also helps that I have great support from my family.
FW: In 2009, you won the New Labels Designer of Year, what has happened since?
I have been developing my line. 3Fall 2009 was my first collection, before that I was just making one of kind pieces. When I look back it was such an amazing experience in many ways. The New Labels competition was a motivator to get my ideas out there and to get my label started, but I never thought that I would actually win.

FW: How would you describe your style and line?
I’m pretty casual. A bit rock’n’roll mixed with vintage clothes. My line has artistic pieces but they are wearable. I see fashion as art, that’s the reason why I got into fashion in the first place.
FW: How does it feel to see peoplewearing your clothes?
Very satisfying of course! I like how people interpret my designs in a different way. There was this girl I know who bought my wrap from Fall 2009, she wore it in a way I would have never thought of. I loved it.
FW: What is your favourite piece for spring 2010?
The gown! But in terms of sales, it would be the Lux baseball tee. It is versatile and sexy.
FW: You would never go out without…?
I would never go without a scarf; I wear scarves all the time, even when I’m walking around in my house. It’s a great accessory; in the winter I wear two.
FW: Which celebrity would you love to see wearing your designs?
Angelina Jolie.

FW: What (or who) inspires you?
Inspiration is found in life: music, architecture, art, nature, and other great designers such as Jeremy Laing. He is such an inspiration.
FW: Who is your favorite designer?
I had the privilege to work with David Dixon last year and I had learned a lot working along side a top Canadian designer. I also love Alexander
McQueen’s work. He definitely brought something big to the fashion world.
FW: What was the best advice you’ve been given?
Something I heard many times is that “you have to be persistent and passionate.”
FW: Which city would you love to show for Fashion Week?
Milan – only because I have always seen Milan as an iconic city for fashion.
FW: The next big step for the label?
I am planning to go to Italy for a fashion internship to develop my skills further and expand my business into Europe. I am also planning to enter a designer competition, but for now I am just doing what’s in front of me and take one step at a time.
Check Faren’s Spring collection @
http://www.faren.ca/
Stocklist :
www.shopgirls.ca
www.freedomclothingcollective.com