At Phoenix Fashion Week, the leading fashion industry event in the Southwest, fans experienced the works of participating designer Lorraine Barker of RAINE, offering alternative apparel for nonconformists.
Follow at: @raineclothingco
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Your first fashion job: Costume design intern at a local community theater.
How would you describe your style? Personally, my style is edgy but clean. “Goth” but not too goth. Music-inspired and dressed like a rockstar. And that is represented in my brand. Why would I make clothing that I wouldn’t want to wear myself?
When did you know you had a passion for fashion? Ever since I was a child, I knew I wanted to be a fashion designer. From watching The Devil Wears Prada and America’s Next Top Model as a kiddo, I knew that was what I wanted to do. And I’ve been working toward my childhood dream ever since.
Your biggest fashion accomplishment so far and why? My biggest fashion accomplishment so far has to be taking the leap and starting my own brand. Finding my voice and making clothing on my own has been so rewarding and has been coming back in opportunities tenfold. Five years into my brand and I’m on the Phoenix Fashion Week runway – that’s unbelievable and exciting!
The biggest obstacle you overcame? I tend to let my emotions and interpersonal struggles hold me back. But one thing I pride myself in is resilience. Every time there is an obstacle in my way, I overcome it and push through by focusing more on my career and my brand. My last year of college was a challenging one personally, but graduating early and launching my brand have to be the biggest rewards I’ve received out of overcoming my personal obstacles that year.
A designer who inspires you and why? Vivienne Westwood is one of RAINE’s designer inspirations. Westwood emerged in the punk scene and brought the fashion theory of trickling styles upward from the streets and music venues into high fashion. RAINE also takes into account what the music and alternative subcultures are doing and elevates those styles to the runway.
Phoenix Fashion Week advice for someone pursuing a career in fashion as a designer? Be friendly! Being approachable and friendly in any aspect of your life will get you very far. Be kind and be friendly, and you can do anything.
What did fans see with your collection at Phoenix Fashion Week? Hardware, techwear, some elements of punk and rock ‘n’ roll, all mixed into streetwear and even couture red carpet gowns. RAINE is stoked to debut such a versatile collection on the 88-ft. runway.