A true child of the 70’s, Allison Burns first showed a passion for design as a young girl growing up in New York City. She started sewing at age 11, creating her own designs, as she moved from the edginess of New York to the sunny beaches of Southern California. Her creative spirit continued to develop as she grew up and moved back to New York City’s East Village, where she lived and thrived on the downtown music and art scene. The years she spent rubbing elbows with drag queens, touring with bands and hanging out with rock stars made a permanent impression on her. The experiences she accumulated helped define her designs as we see them today. The decadent style and extravagant spirit of the 70s and 80s have had a lasting influence on her style.

Allison worked as a make-up artist for more than 12 years before making the decision to launch her own leather goods company. During her years working with celebrities and musicians, Allison often wore her own designs to the set, and it was only a matter of time before people began to take notice. While on a job in 2001, she was convinced by an enthusiastic Jillian Barberie to take the leap and produce her first handbag collection. A segment on “Style File” (Good Day L.A.) soon followed and the orders came flooding in. Some of Allison’s make-up clients have included Heart, Nancy Sinatra and Cyndi Lauper, who inspired her “Nancy,” “Cyndi” and “Heart” bags, as well as celebrities such as Kelly Osbourne, Paris Hilton, Brody Armstrong, who all now wear her bags.

 
The company started three years ago in Allison’s home, with only 3 retailers. Just one year later she had more than 70 accounts. Today Allison Burns bags and belts are sold in more than 250 boutiques in the U.S. and Japan, and bags like the “Faithfull” have inspired a nearly obsessive cult following. Allison handpicks the finest quality leather to compliment each season’s designs. Her beautiful bags and accessories are a result of her hands-on approach and devotion. All of her designs have an incredibly versatile look, which can be dressed up or worn casually. They combine glamour with downtown style: an eclectic approach that sets trends and appeals to the design savvy. Allison lives by the Andy Warhol quote “They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.” Her collection is constantly changing and evolving, while maintaining signature Allison Burns design elements and a sense of relaxed elegance.

Many of the Rock gods and goddesses that originally inspired her bags have now become devoted fans of her line. Her bags and accessories have been worn by Debbie Harry (the icon behind the “Debbie” clutch), Cameron Diaz, Perry Farrell, Julianne Moore, Jillian Barberie, Cate Blanchett, Dave Navarro, Lindsay Lohan and Mandy Moore, among others.

Allison values serenity, peace and balance, but still considers herself a Rock Chick at heart. “Look good, feel good,” says Allison and her designs embody this philosophy. Her Los Angeles home is her sanctuary, and she draws inspiration from nature, friends and family as well as the colorful cast of characters that have always been her muses. On a recent trip to Desert Hot Springs, Allison was inspired by the muted, earthy but feminine western color palette. Her Spring 2005 line is awash in the colors of cactus flowers, sand and sunset. The designs of her latest bags reflect a continued affinity for 70s and 80s-era art and music. A soulful, bohemian flavor is apparent in her newest creations, with bags named for Diana Ross and Heart.