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!

Are We Not Men? We Are DEVO!

DEVO - Photo: Robert Matheu, copyright 1981

I will never forget the first time I saw DEVO.  It was much like the first time I saw The Cramps' Lux Interior "Tear This Damn Place Up" in 1981 on Urgh! A Music War!  With jaws agape, my sister and I were speechless, intrigued, shocked and energized all at the same time. They just don't make bands like these anymore!

Lux Interior almost loses his pants and has a very special relationship with the microphone

Maybe DEVO wasn't quite as raunchy, but cracking a whip to eliminate articles of clothing from a woman, piece by piece, was seriously pushing the envelope back in 1980.  Who were these strange guys in black Bermudas and sleeveless turtlenecks with red flower pots -- as I used to refer to them before I found out that "energy dome" was the proper term -- on their heads?  Were they not men?  Not exactly.  They were (and still are) DEVO.  And they were (and still are) COOL.  

It's almost impossible to find the original video, but this is just as good (even without the babe!)

Sadly, drummer Alan Myers died from brain cancer on June 24th at the young age of 58. Alan joined the band in 1976 and eventually left in 1986 due to the increased use of electronic drums.  Like a true artist, Myers was not fulfilled creatively so he had to seek it out elsewhere. Apparently, bandmate Gerald Casale pleaded with Myers, who he referred to as the 'human metronome' not to leave, but to no avail. 

Myers' time with DEVO was the most creative portion of the band's career -- in my opinion!  He was a huge part of what made that DEVO sound so distinctive and innovative.  He contributed to many memorable tunes like: Uncontrollable Urge, Gut Feeling, Freedom of Choice, Gates of Steel, Beautiful World and, of course, Whip It!

One of my all-time favs.  And Alan helped make this a Beautiful World!

R.I.P. Alan, you will be missed.  I'm going to wear my old DEVO tee shirt this weekend to honor you!

Happy Father's Day!

To all the great dads out there... especially mine!

For Suzette...

Happy Mother's Day to my beautiful and stylish mom, Suzette!  And to all of you strong, sexy, awesome mothers -- thank you for doing what you do!  Have a great day!

Evolution

One of the things I love about being a designer is taking an idea and seeing it through to fruition.  It's actually a pretty amazing thing -- you start with something that doesn't exist and create it.  There is something very powerful about possessing the ability to do that -- to build something.

napkin scribble!

I enjoy looking back through my sketchbook, remembering where I was at the time and what I was thinking, and then comparing that to the finished product.  Sometimes, sketches evolve into something very different than what I intended to achieve in the original sketch and sometimes they stay pretty constant.  Either way, it's interesting to compare the flat, two-dimensional sketch to the tangible, three-dimensional garment.

The dess on the runway at the Chicago Gold Coast Awards Show in September

In preparation for my taxes this week, I was sifting through several manila envelopes filled receipts when I found a sketch that I had doodled on an airport napkin.  I remember sitting in the claustrophobic seat on a crowded plane, scribbling this sketch through turbulents.  I was in the process of designing my Fall 2012, Modern World Collection and I had a vision that I desperately wanted to capture before I forgot, so the airport napkin had to suffice.  One of the many things I learned from Jerry Seinfeld is to keep a pad at all times to jot down ideas so you don't forget.  Jerry knows best! 

Just Say NO To Bunnies And Chicks!

Same message, new year.

Happy Easter!

my bunny Miles (Netherland Dwarf)

May 1999 - May 2008

It's that time of year again... baskets, bonnets, pretty dresses and pastels.  Cadbury, Peeps, egg hunts and the smell of fresh cut grass.  Spring is in the air.  And, of course, Easter time means bunnies and chicks.  I thought it would be fitting to repost my Easter piece from last year because I still have the same message...

Original post from 4.4.2010

little "Miss Miles" (I thought she was a boy when I first got her and never bothered to change her name!)

 
Since it is Easter and I am a bunny person, I wanted to remember my dear little pet "Miles" who passed away nearly three years ago at the ripe old age of nine. What is that in bunny years anyway? I ADORED my little pipsqueak more than anything and spoiled her rotten. I miss her everyday :-(
 

she was trained so well - she could jump for her treats!

 
Many people feel that Easter is an appropriate time to purchase little fluffy chicks or baby bunnies for their little ones, but they don't take the time to research and understand that these animals require just as much love, attention and care as a dog or cat.  A lot of times, children are excited and fascinated with their new pets for a few days and quickly become bored and ignore the animals, or even worse, neglect them.
 

Miles lounging in one of her beds

 
 

Miles lounging in my bed!

 
As if animal cruelty isn't rampant enough, every year around this time an overwhelming number Easter "bunnies" are abandoned or harmed.  If you know anybody who is considering buying a rabbit as a gift, please let them know about this and maybe they will reconsider.  They should really look into rescuing a poor little fluff ball that needs a home as opposed to purchasing a brand new, shiny one.
 

I didn't get her as a gift... I just did really annoying things to her which she tolerated (against her will!)

Sorry to get all "preachy," this is just something near and dear to my heart.

my sweetie

UPDATE: WendyB kindly sent me this article from the Wall St. Journal. Thanks Wendy!!