Today we’d like to introduce you to Lorraine Barker.
Hi Lorraine, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have always wanted to be a fashion designer for as long as I can remember. And looking back, it is pretty remarkable that I became what I always wanted to be when I grew up. No one in my immediate family knew how to sew, so I made the effort in high school to take basic sewing courses. Those courses then turned into collegiate study, as well as a costume design apprenticeship at a local theatre. I paved my own way to my career goals and dreams, and I am so proud of how far I have come, and I am so excited to see what lies ahead. Along with studying fashion and receiving my Bachelor of Art in Fashion at Arizona State University (Summa Cum Laude, and the fifth person to graduate with the new program at the time), I also grew up in the theatre, which has had a massive impact on my career path and designs. I performed in numerous theatrical productions growing up, which then led to opportunities in costume design – where I combined both of my life passions of theatre and fashion. To add to this, I became rather involved in the music industry while I was studying fashion in college, and that world has impacted my purpose as a designer as well.
Combining my love of fashion, theatre, and music, I have created a clothing brand called “RAINE”, which bridges the gap of fashion and the entertainment industry. I also style and costume design productions, as well as offer freelance alterations services to the community. I stand here today as an accomplished businesswoman, designer, and entrepreneur and am looking forward to what more is to come in my journey.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No one’s career path – or life, for that matter – will ever be a smooth journey. There will always be obstacles. I have had my fair share of obstacles in life and my career, but what has kept me afloat is my determination, resilience, and drive to keep going and growing. I believe that no matter what comes your way, as long as you are determined to come out stronger and better, you will prevail.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a fashion and costume designer. My fashion designs specialize in the alternative subcultures, and I create garments that curate an essence of rebellion and rock and roll. I am most known for my overall jack-of-all-trades essence when it comes to the arts, and love to dabble in anything clothing and entertainment related. I have built my community through the fashion, theatre, and music industries, and I am grateful for my community and its support. Up to this point, I am most proud of debuting my third RAINE clothing collection at Phoenix Fashion Week in the Fall of 2023. I handmade all ten looks that strutted down the runway, managed my model lineup and styling, and promoted the new collection and event through my community. It felt so spectacular walking down that runway after all of my looks were showcased, and when I hit the end of the catwalk and looked around at the audience I thought to myself: “I am unstoppable.”
What sets me apart from others is my drive and ambition. I am told daily by peers that I have that spark in me that just wants to continue doing great things. I don’t intend to stop anytime soon.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I am actually thrilled with the direction fashion is going right now. The last time I was interviewed and asked this question, I was concerned about fast fashion and the decline of valuing more well-made garments by consumers. I feel the pendulum has now swung and consumers are now investing in quality pieces, or at least remaining sustainable by thrift shopping.
I have a strong ethos and belief that clothing should be made well, ethically, and sustainably. I personally just mass manufactured a garment from my latest clothing collection, where I went through an Arizona-based manufacturer where I knew the employees were being paid fairly, and the commerce was kept local. Many other designers are starting to adopt this business strategy as well, and I love it.
Large fast fashion companies are on a fast decline, and many consumers are valuing what they are wearing and purchasing. To me, that is all-important.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lorrainebarker.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raineclothingco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089765971501
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorrainebarker/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/raineclothingco
- Other: https://raineclothingco.com/
Image Credits
Karla Camacho, Rodrigo Photo, Thomas Gerloff, Aubrey Holland Kocis, John Hasemeier, Sabrina Riddle
