DEVOlution

In June, DEVO's drummer, Alan Myers, who played with the band from 1976 - 1986 (perhaps their most progressive decade), passed away from brain cancer at 58 years old.  I was distraught.  I wrote a blog post about him.  In recent months, I haven't been writing as often as I used to, but I have not abandoned my blog, I've just taken a short hiatus.  Until now...

I felt compelled to find some time to write today when I heard the news regarding another member of the band DEVO.  Bob Casale died of heart failure on Monday at the young age of 61.  In the early seventies, Bob and his brother, Gerald, along with band mate Alan Myers and brothers, Mark and Bob Mothersbaugh formed a band that had a sound and style like no other.  DEVO has continued to progress and stay relevant over four decades.  Impressive.  

One of my favs.

According to co-founder Gerald Casale, the name "Devo" comes from the concept of 'de-evolution' - the idea that mankind has actually begun to regress rather than to evolve.  For a longtime DEVO devotee (my pal WendyB and I even wore costumes for Halloween), the tragic losses of the DEVO members definitely feels like regression -- in a sense.  And even though DEVO is not what it once was, the band is not "Through Being Cool."  R.I.P. Bob. 

DEVO Wears PRADA!

I love Halloween.  I'm not sure if it's the designer in me that enjoys coming up with an idea and costume, or if it's the opportunity to be something/somebody else for one night.  This year, my pal and neighbor, Wendy Brandes suggested that we go as  DEVO band members. Since I'm a huge fan of the group (read about them HERE in one of my previous posts), I was all for it.  We ordered our energy domes and were good to go!

DEVO Divas!

*to order Wendy Brandes' "DEVO" letter rings check out her website!

the REAL deal!

Thankfully, we are secure ladies because it takes a confident woman to don black Bermudas and black grandpa socks.  It's not a good a look. But, we both believe -- if you are going to do something, do it the right way and do it all the way!

my grandpa socks and Prada sneaks

reapplying my lippy

And so we did.  Energy domes, sleeveless turtles, Bermudas, safety glasses, black shoes and yes, even the grandpa socks.  And red lipstick. Okay, we had to put our own spin on it!!  Most girls use Halloween as an excuse to wear something skimpy and hooker-ish, but not Wendy and me.  No sir! Here is an actual tweet that Wendy posted while we were getting ready...

This was actually Halloween #2 for us since we attended a friend's disco party the night before, so we did, in fact, have our sexy night of costumes. But, now we were ready to cut loose and act like complete dorks.  Yes, I just used the word dork.  I believe it's making a comeback.

Top photo by Neil Zlozower -- from DEVO's website

Bottom photo -- me 

We decided to go dancing at a cheesy (in a good way!) retro club in midtown called, Culture Club. Our costumes were perfect for the eighties club, so we walked in like we owned the place.  Okay, the twenty-something working at the ticket window asked what we were supposed to be and I almost passed out, but we didn't let that ruin our night.

Wendy & I posing in front of a DEVO mural at the club

Thank goodness the DJ had a clue.  When I walked up to him and said, "Do I even have to ask?" he smiled, patted my energy dome and popped on 'Whip It' right away.  And so we did.  We whipped it real good.  We whipped it into shape.  We dominated the dance floor, acted like fools and loved every minute of it.

WHAM! chooses life.  DEVO chooses energy.

posing with Rocky, Richard Simmons and Wonder Woman

It was a very fun evening filled with nostalgia.  We even made friends. The WHAM! boys, George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, were there. Rocky Balboa was (on crack, perhaps?) running around like a lunatic, shirtless and waving his flag.  When 'Eye Of the Tiger' came on I made sure to stay out of his way!  We also met Richard Simmons and Wonder Woman.  Rufus the dog was there, a male Madonna and even a dude with some sort of gadget offering "free breast exams."  Gee, how generous.  I still can't believe nobody dressed as Prince. Where is Dave Chappelle when you need him?!

Chappelle as Prince

FGI Night of Stars 2013

On Tuesday, October 22, The Fashion Group International hosted its annual Night of Stars Gala at Cipriani Wall Street's gorgeous venue. FGI is a non-profit, professional organization whose mission it is to not only be the pre-eminent authority on the business of fashion and design, but also to help its members become more effective in their careers.  

Posing on the red carpet at FGI's 2013 Night of Stars

plaid corset: Stacy Lomman, Fall '13

high/low skirt with leather yoke & crinoline: Stacy Lomman, Fall '13

spiked dog collar: Stacy Lomman

booties: Gianfranco Ferre

gloves: Sportmax

Photo Credit: Randy Brooke

Fashion Group Int'I. is a brilliant organization founded by some extraordinary women such as: Eleanor Roosevelt, Elizabeth Arden, Helena Rubinstein, Edith Head and Claire McCardell (give me a sec. while I bow down to her... ). I am proud to be a member and a Rising Star Finalist in the womenswear category in 2012.

Wendy looking stunning!

dress: Moschino, vintage (from Shrimpton Couture)

faux ostrich vest: Stacy Lomman, fall 2012

shoes: Miu Miu

jewelry: Wendy Brandes

So, when my "sistah from another mistah," Wendy Brandes suggested that she get us tickets for the Gala, I was more than happy to accompany her.  Wendy happens to be a Fashion Group Int'l. Rising Star Winner in the fine jewelry category (2012).  If you're not familiar with her, you need to be.  She's got the best bling this side of Texas! Actually, her work trumps every famous jeweler I can think of -- this side of Texas and the other.

Wendy shows off the silk charmeuse lining...

Back to the Night of Stars.  This was FGI's biggest one yet.  Certainly, Marc Jacobs can pack a house but I think the late announcement that twerking Miley Cyrus would present Jacobs and his business partner Robert Duffy with the 'Superstar Award', pushed it to capacity.  There were other big stars in attendance as well -- Kate Upton, Mayor Bloomberg, Carine Roitfeld, Alexa Chung, Alexander Wang, Hamish Bowles, Simon Doonan, DVF and Christopher Kane -- to name a few!  

Miley Cyrus wearing Marc Jacobs

Wendy and I dressed for the occasion, of course.  I wore an outfit from my fall 2013 collection and Wendy wore vintage (as she often does) along with a custom vest I did for my fall 2012 collection. Just when I was feeling proud that I was able to squeeze myself into the corset and skirt worn on the runway last month at the Chicago Gold Coast Awards Show, along came Miley Cyrus to knock me off my high horse.  

side view...

Love her or hate her, it's hard to deny that Miley is a very pretty girl. And she was wearing a very pretty dress.  By Marc Jacobs, of course.  I think she nailed it.  I snapped some pics; I couldn't help myself.

side/back view...

Plaid Is Rad

Plaid and I have not always had the best relationship.  In fact, we started off on the wrong foot back when I was in grade school, but shortly thereafter, I came to appreciate it's beauty.  I think the main problem all those years ago was that my plaids had also been my sister's plaids at one point.  Like most families, we passed down clothes that were in good condition to the younger siblings when the older outgrew them.  In our case, the younger sibling was (and still is!) me. However, my sister and I did dress my little brother in a pilgrim outfit that had belonged to me for Halloween one year!  But, that was an exception.  

me (left) and my big sister, Kim (right)

my expression clearly says, "Aren't her pants ridiculous?  And aren't my favorite buckle shoes fabulous?"

I remember a particular pair of red plaid pants that my sister wore; I was really bothered by the flared silhouette.  I don't know any other four year old who thinks this way, but I've always been odd unique.  So, when the famous plaid pantalones were passed down to me a few years later, I resented them.  I tried everything to get out of wearing them. I puffed out my gut to pretend they were too tight, pulled them up to my armpits to try to make them into high waters -- but my mom wasn't buying what I was selling, and these pants ended up in my life for way too long.

I call this picture "THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PLAID PANTS"

A few years later... that's me again on the left, but this time I'm "wearing the pants."  I was already mixing stripe and plaid patterns-- so ahead of my time.

It took me quite a while to warm up to plaid, but thanks to my interest in punk music as a teen, I not only warmed up, I fell in love.  Plaid suddenly looked cool, edgy and dare I say... sexy!  In fact, I've been wanting to recreate and modernize (of course!) a pair of those old red tartans for a long time!  And now, all of a sudden, plaid is all the rage in fashion -- largely due to Dries Van Noten's  influence in the industry. The King of Print and Pattern showed a grunge-inspired collection for Spring 2013, and plaid never looked so fresh. Shortly thereafter, The MET embraced a punk theme for its annual gala in May, and plaid spread like wildfire.  Even Spaceball One has "gone to plaid."  See for yourself... 

 

"They've gone to plaid!"

As a designer and an individual, I never follow trend.  I always allow my personal style and taste level dictate what I design and wear.  I strive to create flattering, innovative, high quality items and if they happen to be "on trend" well, that's just fine.  This is exactly the case with my Fall 2013 Edwardian/Goth-inspired collection.  I was lucky enough to work with the famous Harris Tweed mill whose incomparable fabrics come in so many beautiful patterns.  When I saw a swatch of their purple/navy/green plaid, I had to have it.  

STACY LOMMAN : FALL 2013

I've been getting such a great reaction to my tartan and leather trimmed suit that I decided to make a corset in the same pattern.  The new piece will debut on the runway next week at the Chicago Gold Coast Fashion Award Show where I will be presenting my Fall 2013 collection along with seven other up-and-coming designers.  Stay tuned...

Coney Island High

Sadly, it's been at least a decade since the awesome punk club, Coney Island High on St. Mark's Place, shut down so I have to get my Coney Island fix at... well... Coney Island! Though you won't see The Misfits, Fleshtones, Beasties, The Donnas or even the Ramone boys -- you will see The Wonder Wheel, Cyclone, Nathan's Hot Dogs and Zoltar!  

Zoltar will tell you your fortune

It's been far too long since my bestie/partner in crime, Wendy Brandes and I visited the famous Brooklyn amusement park, so we made a promise to get there at least once this summer.  And, I'm happy to report this past Tuesday, we kept our promise!  

The famous Wonder Wheel

The journey started well before we actually arrived at the park -- it's at least an hour subway ride from our Manhattan hood and, like our last trip, it was eventful!  This time, our train ride included a slightly crazy woman who asked us at least one hundred times, "Is this Ocean Parkway?"  We answered every time with the appropriate number of stops left until she reached her destination, so we were a little taken aback when we finally reached Ocean Parkway and she mumbled, "God bless you... dumb bitches" as she debarked. No good deed goes unpunished.

Wendy waits in line!

Anyway, it was a picture perfect day and we were glad to spend some quality time on the beach before hitting the rides.  Okay, I didn't go on any rides.  But, I did support Wendy while she braved the giant Wonder Wheel -- in one of the swinging cars, nonetheless.  No stationary cars for Badass Wendy!  I have less than a stomach of steel and, therefore, cannot handle anything that spins quicker than the merry-go-round.  I made a valiant effort last time on the Tilt-A-Whirl and I thought they needed to rename it the "Whirl and Hurl."  I would also vote for the "Vomit Comet" instead of the Cyclone.  But, I digress...

my kind of ride!  

The history, the beach and the company were the most important components of the visit to me.  Oh, and the outfits!  My stylish mom, Suzette, had recently sent me a few vintage pics of some NYC landmarks including, Coney Island. So, I was in the mood to create a circa 1900 vibe with my ensemble.  I think I did pretty well!

vintage pic of Coney Island, circa 1900

Coney Island outfit

Dress: 'S MaxMara

Bag: Francesco Biasia

Sneaks: Steve Madden

Hat: Coney Island Boardwalk

Bracelet: Ozbek for Pollini 

Wendy wore an edgy outfit and looked adorable and ready to conquer both the beach AND the Wonder Wheel -- that's saying a lot!  Oh, and we both got "inked" (a.k.a. airbrushed) by the same guy, Roy, who inked us three years ago!  I opted for two bunnies (in honor of my baby, "Miles Rabbit," who I miss dearly) and Wendy got a dragon (she is the girl with the dragon tattoo).

super stylish WendyB

At the end of a fun-filled day, we decided that we would try to make one more trip out to Coney Island for our 'high' this summer, so stay tuned...

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!