Lorraine: Injecting a Western Flair in Los Angeles Fashion
Mason Burns, a 25-year-old designer, is making headlines in the emerging designer community of Los Angeles with his brand Lorraine. Located at the historic venue of Al’s General Store, formerly known as Al’s bar where iconic musicians like Nirvana and David Bowie once performed, Lorraine has quickly gained recognition as a notable brand in the city.
Transforming the back of Al’s General Store into his creative workshop, Burns has breathed new life into a mere corner, expanding it into a 1,000-square-feet area. The workspace is adorned with western boots, a horse saddle, and a poster of Robert Redford in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, creating an ambiance befitting the creation of Lorraine’s unique pieces.
Born in Kansas, Burns draws inspiration from his western-oriented upbringing. With grandparents who were immigrants from Italy, Germany, and Scotland, who started as coal miners in Kansas and later became a lawyer and a banker, he was exposed to the values of sustainability and durability from an early age. Surrounded by the remnants of their home, filled with memories of the Old West, Burns developed a keen eye for detail and a passion for unique clothing.
Growing up in an environment where everything was within a 30-minute drive and internet access was limited, Burns honed his skills in making and fixing things. This early experience ignited his love for textiles, and he began creating his own clothes through combining and upcycling different pieces. Even as a child, Burns had a discerning taste, ensuring that everything he wore fit him perfectly.
Pursuing marketing and design at Kansas State University, Burns started procuring his own fabrics and learning to sew from his grandmother. Upcycling old clothes and transforming them into wearable pieces allowed him to cultivate a hands-on approach to fashion. This led to his first internship in Los Angeles with Co, a well-known women’s resort wear brand, where he had the privilege of meeting designers and manufacturers, gaining invaluable insights into the fashion industry.
A chance encounter with Charlie Pennes, the founder of sustainable apron brand White Bark Workwear, altered Burns’ trajectory. What began as a part-time job swiftly evolved into a full-time opportunity. Using Pennes’ workspace during the nighttime, Burns brought his own ideas to life, creating garments with the available sewing machines. People started taking notice of his distinctive style, particularly his weathered Wrangler jeans and worn-out shoes. It was then that Burns realized that he didn’t need to go to great lengths to conceptualize a brand. Instead, he merely had to be true to himself and draw inspiration from his personal experiences.
And so, Lorraine was born. Named after the French Croix de Lorraine, the brand infuses heavy Western and old movie influences that reflect Burns’ childhood memories and family traditions. From his grandfather’s affection for Gunsmoke to his own fascination with Tremors, these cultural references find expression in the Lorraine designs. Burns also draws inspiration from craft cultures such as Mexican and Native American traditions, which imbue his creations with an authentic touch.
Although still a small business producing around 20 exclusive pieces per month, Burns has a clear vision for his brand. Sustainability is his top priority, sourcing fabrics from previous designer collections and deadstock. This approach allows him to craft one-of-a-kind garments, with limited quantities of T-shirts and sweatshirts. Burns meticulously designs his items to endure the test of time, paying attention to every minutiae to ensure each piece is truly unique.
In addition to clothing, Lorraine offers a selection of Western boots that can be personalized and refurbished. Burns also handcrafts jewelry collections, with his silver bead bracelets adding a contemporary twist to Native American designs. Collaborating with other brands like Best Regards, Burns recently created an upcycled jacket to showcase his commitment to sustainability and his support for fellow designers.
Ultimately, Burns envisions receiving a call in 10-15 years from someone seeking repairs on a piece of clothing he made. This would serve as a testament to the durability and quality of his designs, proving that fashion doesn’t have to be disposable.
In an industry notorious for its detrimental environmental impact, Burns strives to challenge the status quo. By fostering independent designers and advocating for sustainable practices, he seeks to reshape people’s perceptions of fashion and encourage them to support smaller brands rather than corporate giants.
With his distinctive fusion of Western style and sustainability, Mason Burns and his brand Lorraine are injecting a fresh perspective into Los Angeles’ fashion landscape. As an emerging designer, Burns is paving his own path and establishing a prominent presence within the industry.
Useful Links:
– Kansas State University
– White Bark Workwear
