Designer Marion George: I always had a good eye for fashion and dressing dolls

Many women who played “dolly-house” as children, making and pining clothes on their dolls, actually had the opportunity to live out  those scenes as adults. Nothing about these scenes was more important to the mind of young Marion George than the clothing that adorned these dolls.

“As a child, the most significant thing that I remember is how much I loved dolls. I was always making new outfits to dress them up in. I actually never wanted to grow up because of this, I dreaded the day that I would have to put the dolls down,” said the Westwood Park wardrobe designer. No offence to her clients, but Marion never really stopped dressing “dolls” they just became real.

Regarding her inclination toward clothing design Marion said, “I grew up with my dad and my mom who was a well-known seamstress. I was involved in this type of work for as long as I could remember. Having the fabric, the sewing machines, the clothes and the design sketches around me in her dress shop made this a part of me from a tender age.” “I was always helping Mummy while doing my own stuff. By secondary school I found myself designing and making clothing for my classmates, teachers and anyone who heard about my ability. I actually stole some of my mom’s clients as she got older and began considering to get out of the business.” added Marion.

What have the producers of Westwood Park, clients throughout Trinidad, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Antigua, Barbados and Florida seen in Marion? “I think that my success is as a result of my ability to spot a trend, I just always had a good eye for fashion. Beyond the trends, I always try to produce something different, innovative and original. I draw inspiration from everywhere, from nature to the clothing of vagrants. My clients would come to me with a simple idea and without effort I would elaborate on it and develop something that fits or exceeds their expectations.”

With respect to her aspirations, Marion says that she just wishes to remain in the business for as long as possible while passing her knowledge to others. “As of next year I plan to establish a fashion school to train both staff and potential competitors,” Marion said laughing. She added, “when I go to see movies, the story and the characters fade in comparison to the costumes which they wear. I never really had the experience of designing costumes but always wished to. For the first time next year I would be designing a section for one of the prominent local Carnival bands.” According to Marion the period between Christmas and carnival is usually most hectic for her but she can’t give up the opportunity to be involved in Carnival. “What I enjoy most about what I do is pleasing my clients. To see my clients try their clothes on and literally jump for joy creates the greatest feeling. The clothing makes them feel better about themselves, enhancing their personalities and increasing their confidence. Nothing in the world could feel like that.”