Harris Tweed Gets Feminine

 

STACY LOMMAN : FALL 2013

Harris Tweed plaid blazer with leather trim and pant

They call themselves the "Guardians of The Orb."  Established in 1993 through an act of Parliament, The Harris Tweed Authority is an organization responsible for promoting and maintaining the authenticity, standard and reputation of the world famous Harris Tweed cloth which can only be defined as: 

"Handwoven by the islanders at their homes in the Outer Hebrides, finished in the Outer Hebrides, and made from pure virgin wool dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides."   

STACY LOMMAN : FALL 2013

Harris Tweed navy jacket with feather sleeves and pant

In the early 1900's Harris Tweed was highly sought after among the upper class of the Outer Hebrides and, over the decades, it has been embraced by the world.  To say that this fabric is special would be an understatement -- it is exceptional.  In today's world of mass manufacturing, it is extremely rare and most definitely refreshing to encounter such integrity, attention to quality and unwavering standards.  I consider my garments held to the same standards, so Harris Tweed seemed like the perfect fit and I felt quite fortunate to be able to work with this world famous cloth.

STACY LOMMAN : FALL 2013

Harris Tweed houndstooth coat with silver lizard buckle closure

Harris Tweed is typically used in menswear but, when styled the right way, it crosses over nicely into the women's arena.  I have always appreciated the structure of a men's jacket and the strength associated with men's suiting -- it definitely influences me as a designer.  So, when I started working with Harris Tweed last season, I was thrilled.  

STACY LOMMAN : FALL 2013

Harris Tweed herringbone vest and pant

I had an Edwardian theme in mind for Fall 2013 before putting pen to paper.  I looked through the Harris Tweed patterns, made my selections and started sketching.  This is, hands down, the most fun part of the design process for me!  I incorporated additional fabrics from other mills in the mix along with Harris Tweed and, as I sketched and played with the swatches, the initial Edwardian inspiration morphed into a slightly Gothic collection -- which I love.  The result is a group of mysterious, luxurious and strong pieces that straddle the line between masculine and feminine.

STACY LOMMAN: FALL 2013

wool check corset and wool plaid skirt

STACY LOMMAN : FALL 2013

brocade corset and silk/cashmere "bustle" skirt

STACY LOMMAN : FALL 2013

cotton moiré tuxedo jacket and satin pant

There Will Always Be Creeps!

creep·er

 [kree-per] 

noun

1.

a person or thing that creeps.

2.

Botany - a plant that grows upon or just beneath the surface of the ground, or upon any other surface, sending out rootlets from the stem, as ivy and couch grass.

3.

Often, a one-piece garment for an infant, the lower portion resembling briefs and having snaps or buttons across the crotch for convenience in diapering.

4.

Chiefly Northeastern U.S. a spiked iron plate worn on the shoe to prevent slipping on ice, rock, etc.

5.

Also called cradle Automotive - a flat framework on casters, on which a mechanic lies while workingunder an automobile or the like.

STACY LOMMAN : SPRING 2013

So, that's what Dictionary.com has to say.  But, they are forgetting about something... SHOES!  The "brothel creeper," as they are technically known, has been around since the early 1950's and showed up again in the mid/late seventies on some of the coolest musicians of our time (i.e. Clash, Pistols...).  I wrote about Creepers a few years ago and it seems as though, suddenly, they are everywhere nowadays.  I kind of like seeing them on teens who have no idea of their heritage, but I worry that it's just a matter of time before  the "trickle down effect" happens and we start to see them in Target or WalMart.  God forbid!!

July 2013: me -- wearing the same outfit as above photo

In any case, I am not concerned if they are "all the rage" or super obscure, I wear them and have worn them for years.  I even used a personal pair in the photo shoot for my Spring 2013 Rockabilly-inspired collection.  Creepers are not new to high fashion or the catwalks -- designers like Nathan Jenden and Galliano have used them in their shows.  And if they're good enough for Dior...

...and once again wearing them in 2009

Jacket: Belstaff

Sunnies: Ferre

Shoes: Creeps!