Chicago - April 03, 2006

Power to the People

Geren Ford

Just because people are talking doesn’t mean anyone’s listening. (Need proof? How about the latest CNN opinion poll?)

Geren Ford’s ears, on the other hand, were wide open. When designer Geren Lockhart launched her flirty underthings a few years back, no one wanted to cover them up. Babydoll nighties went out as dresses; camis paraded around solo.

And thus her excellent new ready-to-wear collection was born. If the suitcase-friendly frocks, tops, and pants seem ready to hit the beach or foreign cafe at a moment’s notice, it’s because her love of travel inspired the line.

A green wrap dress is the same color as the pool at Hotel du Cap. Silk tops are covered with patterns from Argentine tiles. Color combinations were last seen in her vacation photos.

Long flowing dresses can be belted up high or low at the hips. Itching for a shirt with the au courant empire waist? Just pull the drawstring on the kimono top to cinch.

And watch who starts paying attention.

Available at Lili Boutique, 1543 North Wells Street, between North Avenue and Schiller Street (312-654-8511); Language, 1537 North Milwaukee Avenue, between North Avenue and Division Street (773-772-5744); online at activeendeavors.com. To see styles, go to gerenford.com.