About

Lorraine’s natural flair for costume design started at an early age. The arts, in one form or another, were always part of family life.

Her seamstress mother opened up the world of fabrics, design, pattern cutting and dressmaking. Her father, a jazz musician, singer, artist and keen photographer, involved her in preparing his stage wear and creating artwork for his upcoming performances.

Lorraine achieved a distinction in art at school , so it was a natural choice for her to attend art school.

She left St. Martin's School of Art with a degree in fashion and textiles and joined Atomage leather couture as a designer / pattern cutter, with the view of pursuing a career in stage costume design. This was followed by a spell at Tickled Pink textile design, then moving on to Boy London and finally ending up at Vivienne Westwood.

Here she was involved in clothing and accessory design, along with production and sourcing fabrics and manufacturers, mixing the conventional with the unconventional.

Lorraine’s love of textiles, extensive knowledge of clothing construction, fashion and costume history have served her well.

So film costume design seemed a natural progression.

Her career was launched whilst designing the costumes for Academy award winning short film This Boys Story directed by John Roberts.

This led to other short films, a TV series and many high profile music and advertising campaigns, thus collaborating with directories, photographers and artistes alike.

Stephen Mead, director and co-owner of Short Films , said ‘Lorraine’s outside interests in the arts and her knowledge of fashion and costume, makes her opinion well respected. She adds a wild card to every project we do together , making it really special’

Lorraine's continual pursuit of life drawing and painting enables her to appreciate light, form, colour and movement. Her work is constantly well received and following a series of exhibitions, many of her drawings have been acquired by Paul Smith, for display in his stores worldwide.

Kevin Thomas, director and co-owner of Thomas Thomas Films, described Lorraine as ‘One of the most creatively gifted people I have met. She has got a great eye , great imagination, great attitude and great work ethic.’ 

Lorraine's criteria has always been to be inquisitive and absorb everything you see and do, good or bad.

Costume designer James Acheson once said ‘Every moment is a moment of research’ and she lives by that premise, wholeheartedly. 

To be curious enriches one’s life and can be of great use in all endeavours and design. From a bird in flight to a dead flower , the light on a building and the shadows it creates, or the structure itself.

Being an artist, working in costume and fashion , I believe, helps to inspire me and to be open to all suggestions and ideas, in my work.