Talking Cloaks with Lindsey Thornburg

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Lindsey Thornburg is from the super high-up mountains of Colorado, and has a super-elevated sense of style. And she's reached the peak of outerwear perfection with her line of super-limited cloaks which you can see from 15 blocks away. She's color crazy and in love with Peru and the American Southwest. You can get her signature cloaks at Barney's Co-op, Assembly on Orchard, and Oak on Bond Street. I had a little chit-chat with Lindsey recently to ask her a few questions about her stuff:

So you have this line of cloaks. What was the inspiration here?
Well, I took a trip to Peru and that is probably the main reference. The boldness of South America and the American Southwest are big influences.

Why cloaks?
The structure of a cloak is a really amazing concept because it gives you a really beautiful palette to explore different patterns and colors and it's just big and drapey. You're not limited by seam lines or confusing structures.

And you're using really thick wool which adds a really structural quality. It's got this architecture to it that I just love.
Yeah, but it's like a security blanket, at the same time. It's fashion forward and nestling and you've taken this age-old concept and updated it and made it ideal for city living.

So it's geared towards city dwellers?
Absolutely.

You've also taken the hood and separated it from the cloak, and made a sort of hood-scarf thing that is SO incredible. You've called it the Druid Hood. I can see dudes wearing this. Hint hint. I can see myself rocking this look. These must be flying out of the stores, no?
It's what they call "bread and butter" in the industry. It's easier for people to spend 250 bucks on something than to spend anywhere from 900 to 1250.

What's the most rewarding part of being a designer for you?
Living in New York. It's got the best design atmosphere. You can watch your concept expand within months. You can affect so many people with a design just by walking around. I mean, Barneys and Vogue are calling now. New York really embraces uniqueness.

You've got a really small production situation, right?
I use limited, novelty wool. You don't wanna see someone else wearing your florescent pink and turquoise TexMex cloak. I mean, it is a piece of art. They're one of a kind. Or two of a kind. I think the most I've ever made of one is ten.

How long have you been in New York?
I've been here since 2003. I came here to be an artist. I came here to be inspired. I was drawn here. I'm not sure how I got here, I think it was by plane. Here I am.

Ha. How do you avoid the manic-ness of NY?
I don't. I revel in it.

Do you wanna talk about the modeling you've done/are currently doing?
Absolutely. Modeling is a major part of the reason I've been able to fund this line. It's been a part of my life for ever.

What's your favorite place in the whole world?
Punta Hermosa in Peru. Peru in general. Machu Picchu. That was the most inspiring place. It really allowed me to recognize that whole one cinder block at a time idea. You have to dedicate your life to your creations. Whether it's a temple on the top of a mountain or some really great cloaks. It's all the same.

Tell me a secret.
Half my wardrobe comes from Conway, the big guy store. They have those really big tees that go down to your knees.

GET INTO Lindsey's cloaks more thoroughly here, and make sure to drool all over Olivia Malone's stunning pictures while you're at it. God, she rules.

All pics above are of Lindsey wearing her own designs.