Fashion designer Abi Ferrin became a designer the moment she unintentionally blurted out, “I’m a designer.” At an “industry” party at the ever-trendy Kitson Boutique in Hollywood one night, Abi changed her destiny. That evening, Abi donned one of her very first designs and Extra’s host Dayna Devon noticed. Dayna made a beeline for Abi and exclaimed, “Where did you get that top? I love it!” Abi smiled and without thinking, announced, “I made it. I’m a designer.”And, there it was. Devon said she had to have it. In no time, Abi quit her sales job at a major studio and became a designer. That was over five years ago.

The “how did you become a designer” is a cute story. But was is more impressive, is how she has stayed a designer, a trendy, relative one at that. What is most impressive? Abi’s motto: Fashion with Freedom and Purpose. It’s the driving force behind her brand. Abi empowers and employs women rescued from the sex trade in Nepal by incorporating their hand-made buttons into her designs. She purchases the buttons at fair market value; then donates an additional 600% of the asking price back to the organization.

We recently caught up with Abi and asked her some questions about the day to day designers life, and for a little peak behind the curtain that is Abi Ferrin.

Serial Optimist: What does a typical Sunday night look like for you? Do you have nights where you can order in, relax on the couch, and watch bad television, or are those days long gone?

Abi Ferrin: Funny – those days have only just started to exist after 8 years of days blending together. Sunday night is my only typical night. I go to my boyfriend’s house at Lake Ray Hubbard, eat dinner and watch football (during football season) and right now we are watching Entourage. His living room looks out over the lake so it’s very peaceful and helps me set myself for the rest of the busy week.

SO: What is your favorite fashion quote/expression?

Abi: My favorite quote that I have kept front and center over the past 2 years has been, “In difficult times fashion is always outrageous.” by Elsa Schiaperelli.

SO: If you were a guy, what would your style be?

Abi: Zegna suits, jeans without pocket flaps and a general strong classic look with a twist.

SO: What is your creative process when coming up with your designs; do you see it in your head first? Do you see other styles that inspire you to design certain things?

Abi: I usually wake up in the middle of the night with an idea based on something I saw the day before – often architectural, structural or landscape. I also put myself in the moments for the women I design for to imagine how they want to feel and look when they wear the clothes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SO: Were you always fashion forward? What was Abi Ferrin wearing as a sophomore in high school?

Abi: No! I was not at all fashion forward in high school. I grew up in Wyoming – wearing Gap and a flannel shirt was a dressy day!!!

SO: Tell me something nobody really knows about you, a weird fact about you, or even a secret!

Abi: I’ve never had my own subscription to cable TV. I’ve lived with roomates who can’t live without it – but never had tv on my own.

SO: Truth or Dare?

Abi: Dare! I love to live on the edge!

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SO Note: (Go to www.abiferrin.com to view and shop her most recent collection, and where you can also learn more about the Freedom Project.)

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Tags: Abi Ferrin, Designer, Interview, Nice