ARTIST FOCUS | Mason Toone: Stitching Derby’s DIY Fashion Future From the Bedroom Up

In a city where creativity often grows quietly before it makes noise, Mason Toone is stitching together something that feels both deeply personal and unmistakably Derby.

Currently based in Derby and creating out of his bedroom, Mason is the founder and designer behind SOAR, sometimes styled as 50AR-a DIY fashion project rooted in denim, repurposed materials and hand-finished detail. His work reflects a new generation of designers building brands from lived experience rather than formal pathways, drawing heavily from street culture, skateboarding and the independent creative energy running through the city.

“Derby is a great hub for creativity,” Mason says. “I’ve been to loads of music events with my mates, and it made me think that I could actually do this myself.”

Inspired by Derby’s Independent Fashion Scene

Mason’s entry into fashion wasn’t driven by trends or training, but by seeing what was possible locally. One of the earliest sparks came from Boredom, the Derby-based fashion brand known for its DIY ethos and self-made approach.

Seeing a local brand where everything was created by the owner made a lasting impression-and planted the seed for what would eventually become SOAR / 50AR.

“That’s what originally made me think about making clothes,” he explains. “I loved the designs and the fact it was all made by the person behind it.”

Rather than searching for clothes that didn’t quite exist, Mason began creating his own-pieces that reflected his taste, his environment and the culture around him.

From Hand-Sewn Patches to Full Denim Builds

The foundations of SOAR were built slowly. Mason started by hand-sewing patches and flared panels onto existing jeans, learning the basics through experimentation.

“The thing that originally drew me to this was my mate Dom,” Mason says. “He hand-sewed loads of patches onto his jacket and it looked sick. I wanted to try it myself.”

What began as pieces for friends grew into something more intentional. After receiving a sewing machine for Christmas in 2024, Mason began pushing further-moving from modification into full garment construction.

“That’s when I fell in love with denim,” he says. “Designing and sewing stuff fully from scratch.”

Graffiti, Skate Culture and the DNA of SOAR

SOAR’s visual identity is inseparable from Derby itself. Skate culture has shaped not just the clothing, but Mason’s design mindset.

“Derby’s a great city for skating, and that culture definitely influenced the way I design things,” he explains.

Graffiti also plays a key role. Mason credits local writer Az with introducing him to hand styles and tagging culture-influences that directly shaped SOAR’s branding.

“My logo originally started as my tag,” he says. “My entire brand is based around that.”

That crossover between graffiti, skating and fashion gives SOAR its raw, unpolished edge. The clothes feel lived-in and personal, rooted in real spaces rather than polished studios.

The Breakthrough Pair of Jeans

A major turning point for Mason-and for SOAR-came with the creation of his first fully successful pair of jeans.

“A highlight recently was creating my first proper successful pair,” he says. “It took a long time and loads of failed attempts.”

When it finally worked, the result felt like proof that SOAR could become something real.

“They fit me perfectly. I can wear them with almost anything and they look good.”

That moment marked the shift from experimentation to belief.

Working From a Bedroom, Learning the Hard Way

The reality behind SOAR is far from glossy. Mason works from his bedroom, using an old sewing machine that doesn’t always cooperate.

“Sometimes it feels like it has a mind of its own,” he laughs.

Mistakes are part of the process. Long hours. Mis-cuts. Designs that don’t land the way he imagined. But those setbacks have shaped the brand’s character as much as its successes.

What’s Next for SOAR / 50AR

Right now, Mason is focused on developing SOAR’s first small runs of jeans, alongside side bags in different styles and a growing range of patches designed to get the name out there.

He’s also keeping things grounded by selling in real-world spaces-pop-ups tied to local gigs and venues, including dates at Dubrek Studios and The Victoria Inn. It’s a natural fit for a brand born out of music, skating and community.

His girlfriend will also be selling handmade crocheted hats at the pop-ups, reinforcing the collaborative, grassroots ethos behind SOAR.

Fashion With Feeling

At its core, SOAR is about connection.

“I just want to make things that people feel good wearing,” Mason says. “I hope people feel the handmade quality and can relate to the brand.”

That approach speaks to younger audiences looking for authenticity, while resonating with older generations who value craft and intention.

His advice to other creatives is simple.

“Stop being scared and start making stuff,” he says. “If people don’t like it, they’re not your target audience anyway. Just keep making what you love and the right people will find it.”

A Brand Still in the Making

SOAR isn’t finished-and that’s the point. Mason Toone is building the brand in real time, learning as he goes, inviting people into the process rather than presenting a polished end result.

From bedroom denim to pop-up rails, from graffiti tags to wearable statements, SOAR is carving out its own place in Derby’s creative landscape-and Mason is only just getting started.

You can follow SOAR via Mason on Instagram at @50ar50ar50ar, on TikTok at @masonto3434, or experience the pieces in person at upcoming pop-ups around Derby.

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