Lorna Jane
While in LA I stopped by the new Lorna Jane store in Santa Monica. She now boasts 8 new stores in California, 120 in Australia and another 25 planned for the next two years. Here Lorna Jane Clarkson discusses how her ridiculously cute outfits have actually inspired girls to be active, healthy and get outdoors.
Who is the woman you’re thinking about when you sit down to design your collections?
I have a whole mantra for the girl I design for, and it evolves and changes, but I would say she is the girl who gets up early in the morning, who has to exercise and who respects her body and eats good food. She is the girl who is positive and active and not afraid to try new things; she’s not a specific age, but has to love bright colors and fashion.
What inspires you?
I think to be a good designer you need to lead an inspirational life—make your life as good as possible by experiencing new places and things. I am inspired by my life and travels and also what is on the runway. It comes easy, like breathing—I’ve never had designer block, it just comes out.
I think to be a good designer you need to lead an inspirational life—make your life as good as possible by experiencing new places and things. I am inspired by my life and travels and also what is on the runway. It comes easy, like breathing—I’ve never had designer block, it just comes out.
Your life’s work is designing fashion-forward, flattering active wear, so you must work out a lot. What’s your personal fitness regimen like?
My personal philosophy that is the backbone of this brand is movement—a promise to move my body every day. I like to work out in the morning; I personal train two days a week and do cardio once or twice a week. In between I do two or three yoga classes and I hike and walk my dog. In the summer I swim.
My personal philosophy that is the backbone of this brand is movement—a promise to move my body every day. I like to work out in the morning; I personal train two days a week and do cardio once or twice a week. In between I do two or three yoga classes and I hike and walk my dog. In the summer I swim.
What colors should we be sweating in this season?
Black is always amazing, but reds and silvers. And florals and patterns. Really, anything bright with pops of color!
Black is always amazing, but reds and silvers. And florals and patterns. Really, anything bright with pops of color!
What keeps you motivated to keep designing and innovating? That I can inspire other women to live an active life; if you can inspire a woman you are inspiring her entire family. If you feel confident in what you’re wearing, you feel better as a whole. If you like the way you look, you want to go out and work out. I almost feel like a witch with spells and fairy dust because of what our product is—really intelligent fabric that feels good and is really supportive.
