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! 

Great Minds Think Alike

As a designer, I like to be unique.  I always hated to be copied, even as a young girl.  So, most of the time I don't like to see other designers or other people doing similar things to me.  "Be an individual," I scream in my head!  But, there are those rare instances when an idea or design occurs simultaneously for two people, and that is a different story entirely.  In that case, I enjoy a type of camaraderie and I feel a certain sense of validity, as if to say, "See, I am right.  I knew I had a good idea!" 

Left: Rick Owens, Fall 2012 / Right: Stacy Lomman, Fall 2012

When I saw this piece from Rick Owens on the runway the same season as my "Mod Collection" (Fall 2012), I experienced that feeling.  The two looks are very different, yet they're kind of the same.  I love that about design -- two people can have a similar vision, yet the way it's translated is completely different.  But, that's exactly what design is, at least in terms of fashion.  Everything has been done already.  Nothing is really being invented anymore, so it's all about the individuals' point of view and interpretation of an idea.

'Tis The Season? What Season?

Regardless of your thoughts on global warming, fashion has responded (as it does so well) to new needs and requirements over the last several years by creating a large category dedicated to seasonless dressing.  It's all about layers.  I am a huge fan of Reed Krakoff, and his pre-fall collection demonstrates this concept beautifully. 

 

a look from Reed Krakoff's pre-fall 2013 collection

photo source: Style.com

 

It seems quite possible that the new(ish) addition of "pre-collections" to the fashion calendar could be a catalyst to the blurred lines between seasons. With four collections per year rather than two, distinguishing fall from pre-spring or spring from pre-fall can be difficult.

 

a look from Reed Krakoff's pre-fall 2013 collection

photo source: Style.com

  

I have expressed my opinion about the "white after Labor Day rule" more than once in this blog and I'm also a fan of the safer, Winter White option.  But what about white shoes in November or even February?  Before you gasp with disapproval, consider this: They are being shown on the runways right now, so you'll see them in the stores by August and on people's feet by October.  In fact, they're already offered in the high-end stores for THIS fall/winter season.  So, two years from now when they're trendy in the "fly over states" and people's eyes have been conditioned to perceive this as normal and acceptable, remember your initial reaction :-)

 

 

Fendi loafer available at Barney's

 

Still not for you?  Don't fret.  There are plenty of seasonless dressing options that are a little more palatable to the mainstream and more quickly accepted.  Chunky sleeveless sweaters?  Why not?  They're easy to layer under a heavy coat or puffer jacket and when you have the option of arm warmers (like the ones I've been selling from my fall 2012 collection), you're all set!

two looks from Krakoff's pre-fall 2013 collection

white shoes, skirts, bare legs and bare arms -- looks like spring except for the fur vests

Photo Source: Style.com

 

 

STACY LOMMAN, Fall 2012

dove grey shearling vest with rib knit arm warmers

Photo: Shane LaVancher

 

STACY LOMMAN, Fall 2012

sleeveless top and faux ostrich skirt with rib knit arm warmers

Photo: Randy Brooke 

 



"Chalk" One Up For Me!

The city of Chicago is moving up on my list of favorite places to visit.  The people are polite and gracious in a very genuine way which I'm not quite used to, but find quite refreshing.  In September, I headed to the windy city take part in the prestigious and charitable Gold Coast Fashion Award Show, which I've already written about.  I connected with some wonderful people and had a great time at the show.

 

my collection on the runway at the

Gold Coast Show

 

Cut to -- After a typical crazy NYC day, I was climbing the stairs to my apartment (no elevator!) while glancing at my mail.  Bill, bill, bill, junk, junk, junk... wait, what... who?  I came across a letter with an unfamiliar return address and cautiously opened it.  To my surprise, this is what I found...

 

what a nice note!

 

Are all Chicagoans (I heard this term used on the TV while I was there, so I guess it's legit!) this nice?  Who takes the time to send handwritten notes these days?  And, of course, she had to research me to find my mailing address.  I was so impressed, I called the next afternoon to say thank you and we had a lovely conversation.

 

 

my faux ostrich jacket with black & white stripe silk charmeuse lining

available exclusively at chalk (but I also do custom orders!)

 

I am also very happy to announce that two pieces from my Fall 2012 "Modern World" collection can be found at a chic boutique called chalk in Evanstan IL, just outside of Chicago. Yay!  So, if you're in the area, stop in and take a look at my faux ostrich jacket and Union Jack dress as well as the other beautiful merchandise and high-end labels they carry.
 

Stacy Lomman Union Jack cocktail dress

available exclusively at chalk (but I also do custom orders!)



No Sleep Till Brooklyn!

The title of this post should really be, "No Sleep Till WendyB & I Finally Made It Back To Manhattan From Brooklyn In One Piece After Going To A Concert During A Nor'easter" but that didn't fit in the space provided!  Anyway, the shorter title works and it fits right into the theme of this post since we went to a rap concert and the artist actually did a mini medley/tribute to the Beastie Boys.  However, one song he did not cover was, ironically, the Boys' No Sleep Till Brooklyn!  But, I digress...

since this was overlooked, here's my own tribute to the Beasties

Okay, most of you who know me are still stuck on the "I went to a rap concert" concept and haven't yet begun to grasp that I went to a rap concert IN BROOKLYN DURING A WILD WINTER STORM!  I must be crazy!  Well, I blame Wendy Brandes!  Wendy, who is a huge Eminem fan, had tickets to see his protege Yelawolf back in March, but apparently the concert was canceled and rescheduled for November 7th.  So, when I got a sweet email from my good friend that simply said, "Will you please go to a rap concert with me tomorrow night?" I had no choice but to reply, "Okay.  Only for you."

Yelawolf -- this is what I said yes to people!

Wendy is a super supportive friend and a loyal client -- the least I can do is go to a concert with her.  With that in mind, I dressed for the occasion.  How does one dress for a rap concert?  I wasn't sure!  I decided to dress for the weather instead.  Anyway, I finally had an excuse to pull out my reversible "puffer" jacket that I made for my Fall 2012 "Modern World" Collection!  Yay!  And damn, that thing is warm.  On one side, I used a woolly cream and black "popcorn" knit from my favorite Italian mill and on the reverse side I quilted lofty polyfill to a black Italian cire' nylon and created a fully reversible, stylish, functional little cozy jacket.  A stylish puffer - perfect for a rap concert.

STACY LOMMAN : Fall 2012

reversible puffer coat

I knew that it was not going to be an evening for cute shoes, so I opted for boots.  I almost broke out my snow boots, but I think I was in denial.  Instead, I wore my trusty old black work boots because I thought they suited the occasion better.  Jeans (goes without saying) and a tee shirt completed the outfit.  The question was, "Which tee shirt?"  I felt compelled to wear a concert tee and almost selected my DEVO shirt just to annoy people, but I decided that might not be a good idea.  Hmmm... Chris Isaak?  Nah, that would be even worse with a rap crowd.  My new Adam Ant tee from his recent concert was burning a hole in my drawer waiting to come out, but I felt that was not the way to go either.  Joy Division?  Blondie?  Nope.  Finally, I grabbed one of my (many) Sex Pistols tees and was almost ready.  I topped everything off with a couple of key accessories -- my black rib knit arm warmers (which I've been selling quite a lot!) and a pair of quirky knee socks.  Oh, and I can't forget the hat, scarf and umbrella -- though the umbrella met its demise quite quickly when it turned inside out and actually bent from the wind on my way to the subway station!  Yes, in one block the wind was strong enough to bend metal and my umbrella surrendered.  This should give you an idea of the journey that Wendy and I were about to embark on.

close up of my argyle/skull knee sock purchased from a street vendor in London

And speaking of Wendy, she couldn't have looked cuter (per usual).  As I descended the subway stairs making my way down to the platform, I saw a pair of bright yellow rubber booties with a heel and knew in an instant that was Wendy waiting for me!  So, we swiped our metro cards and we were on our way!  Now, the two of us are serious Manhattanites and very rarely leave our island (if even our neighborhood!  LOL), so this was uncharted territory. 

Things started off pretty well, but when we hit our first transfer point we were informed that the #7 train wasn't functioning. Bummer. We had to figure out an alternate route. We headed down the escalators to catch a different connection and I made a big mistake. Wendy took off running for the train already waiting on the platform and I grabbed her like a mother does a child -- from the back of a collar or hood. "No! That's going to Jamaica. And not the good Jamaica," I said. Wendy was glad I caught her before we went off in the wrong direction. "We don't wanna go to Queens," I said. But, apparently we did! Ooops. Normally I would take a downtown train if I want to get to Brooklyn, but in this case we needed to go through Queens first. Who knew? So, after getting on the wrong train and going several stops downtown, we had to backtrack and start over!

Underground somewhere in Brooklyn.  I don't know what's up with my "jazz hands!"

rap concert outfit

Coat - STACY LOMMAN : Fall 2012

Jeans - AG Adriano Goldschmied

Boots - Frye

Messenger Bag - Perlina

Rib Knit Beret - Sin Sin showroom in Hong Kong

Tee shirt - Sex Pistols (shown in photo below)

Rib Knit Arm Warmers - STACY LOMMAN : NEW YORK (shown in photo below)

Knee Socks - street vendor in London (shown in photo above)

  

We spent an hour and a half navigating subways and stations that we, as long time New Yorkers, had never set foot in before.  Finally, we arrived at our stop.  When we made it to ground level outside, the snow had picked up and there was several inches of powder and slush on the streets and sidewalks.  And wind.  Lots of wind.  We stopped in a cozy bar/restaurant, situated ourselves by a fire and pulled up a map app to see where the hell we were.  Somewhere in the middle of Williamsburg -- that's the only thing we could say for sure. 

wearing my arm warmers and Johnny Rotten

Once we got our bearings, we bundled up again and headed out slipping and sloshing through the mess. "Eeew, I got water in my boot.  My heel is all wet and cold," I griped.  We laughed as we walked along pressing onward into the wind.  "I swear, I wouldn't even do this for a band I LOVED, let alone one I kind of dislike," I said cracking up at our absurdness. "Me either!" Wendy agreed.  Wendy was convinced that we had to go on this wild goose chase so that we could laugh about it later and, besides, it's always good to get out of our neighborhood once in a while. So, the moral of this long and drawn-out story is: Don't be stagnant.  Be adventurous, step outside of your comfort zone and try new things -- and do them with great friends!

PS - I survived the concert.  Perhaps my most favorite moment was when Yelawolf very sincerely thanked the crowd for being there and supporting his journey throughout the years.  "You guys are the ones who really count," he said.  "Each one of you."  I resisted the urge to raise my hand like a high schooler to say, "Excuse me, uh, Mr. Wolf? Or is it Mr. Yela?  Well, either way I don't feel like I can take any credit here..."  LOL.  Okay, all kidding aside, his style and type of music may not exactly be "my bag baby," but the guy is freaking great at what he does.  I give him serious props for his chops.  No joke.

Photo Shoot Update

Well my Taffetadarlings, I'm making progress raising funds for my Spring 2013 look book shoot -- thank you to everybody who has contributed so far!!  I'm still pushing and I have just one week left to achieve the goal, so any help would be appreciated.  And please spread the word!

 

Finding an affordable venue/studio to shoot in can be a difficult challenge in New York City, but I'm going to be as frugal as possible.  I searched high and low to find a spot for my Fall 2012 "Modern World" runway show and even though I found a good deal, it still ended up costing $1500 for the day.  But, I needed a bit more space to accommodate the audience and a small runway, so I'm able to work with something smaller for the photo shoot.  

 

my girls backstage at the fall 2012 Modern World show

photo: Randy Brooke

 

As I stated in my Kickstarter campaign, a good model can make or break the shoot.  However, that doesn't mean that I can hire any girl I want, I have to be thrifty since I'm working within a tight budget.  But, I've been lucky enough to find talented and experienced girls in the past who, unlike Linda Evangelista, WILL get out of bed for less than 10K per day -- a lot less.  And thank goodness, one thing there will never be in NYC is a shortage of (eager) talent.

 

fall 2012 look book shoot

Model: Caitlin Sloat

Photo: Shane LaVancher

 

Another way that I'm able to swing it with a small budget is the fact that I don't use a stylist like many people do.  Typically, a stylist a very important asset in any photo shoot, but more so for magazine editorials where they have to pull pieces from multiple designers in order to create a story.  Since I'm using solely my own pieces, there isn't much need for a stylist.  Still, a lot of designers depend on stylists to come up with the right image for the book.  I think I've mentioned before that I'm a control freak, so I actually prefer to handle the "image" and the styling myself.  I mean, I designed the clothes, I think I should know how I want them to be portrayed.

 

spring 2012 "Biohazard" photoshoot

model: Julia Kravetz

photo: Shane LaVancher

 

And then there's the hair and makeup team.  I know for a fact that it easily costs $100 and upward just to have one's makeup done for an event (basically one hour of work), so you can imagine what it might cost to hire people for an entire day.  The good thing is that stylists and artists typically offer day rates that make it more affordable than if they were charging you hourly for a twelve hour shoot.  Also, I have found that stylists and makeup artists are often anxious to participate in a fashion photo shoot because they can push the boundaries a little bit (or a lot) more than they are able to with their usual clients.  So, I've been lucky in the past to find talented people who are willing to work within my budget.

 

fall 2012 photo shoot

amazing hair: Lucie Ducrot

fabulous makeup: Rieko Shiba

photo: Shane LaVancher

 

Obviously, there is still the photographer's fee (and their assistant) which accounts for a fairly large chunk of the funding, as well as book printing and lunch for everyone during the shoot. Well, now that you have a better idea of the costs involved and the break down, I hope that you contribute if you can.  Click the link below to check out my project!  Thank you!!

 

STACY LOMMAN : NEW YORK PHOTO SHOOT - SPRING 2013

Going For Gold In Chicago

Back in August I posted about a fantastic show/charity event that I was lucky enough to be involved with and now I'm excited to fill my Taffetadarlings in on how everything went.

 

The prestigious Chicago Gold Coast Fashion Award Show has featured some pretty big names with past winners including; Donna Karan, Bill Blass and Monique Lhuillier (maybe you've heard of them?  LOL).  Of course I was excited, but nothing could have prepared me for the grand scale of the event -- it's like the old saying goes, You've gotta see it to believe it.  It's very hard to process what a room that seats 1400 guests really looks like.  It's huge.  And even bigger when you add a gigantic "T" shaped runway and additional space in the back for bloggers to hook up and provide live coverage of the show. 

 

a few of my pieces on stage

 

Okay, so now the nerves took over a bit.  I usually operate very well under pressure and I've had four runway shows of my own to prove it.  Still, I was relieved that my jewelry designing pal Wendy Brandes accompanied me to Chicago to keep me sane.  Talk about a devoted friend!  I'm lucky to have her not only as a friend, but a client as well.  Of course, Wendy wore one of my dresses (well, it's technically hers!) to the show and she looked insanely perfect.  I would like to give myself/my clothes all the credit here, but WendyB could make a potato sack look chic.  I wore one of the outfits from the collection being showcased  -- my Fall 2012, Modern World collection.

 

 

Wendy wearing a black cocktail dress from STACY LOMMAN : NEW YORK

wearing a piece from my collection

 

model wearing the same outfit backstage at my runway show in February

 

Back to the show!   Being an audience member was a little strange since I didn't have control over the models, music, hair & makeup like I normally do (I'm such a control freak -- down to the font in the programs, etc.), but at the same time it was really nice to be able to enjoy my food and wine and let somebody else take care of all the details.  And I need to point out what a fantastic job the girls behind the scenes did.  I went backstage before the show got underway to go over a few key points (please open the cape to show the flag print lining, etc.) and everything was running like a well-oiled machine.  And everyone was soooo nice and helpful.   I was really impressed with how professional everything was (thanks to show producer Susan Glick), in fact, the only way I could tell that I wasn't at a New York show was the lack of chaos backstage!

 

one of my pieces on the runway - viewed on one of the big screens

 

After a touching video from the Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and a few words from the Children's Service Board President Jeniece Higgens, the runway show commenced.  Last year's winner Fabiola Arias showed her winning collection, shared some encouraging words and wished the competing designers luck.  One by one, the eight different designer collections strutted down the catwalk each time with a nice introduction and the designer's name flashing across the two giant video screens.  I couldn't resist taking a blurry shot of my name when it was time, but I was too focused and nervous to take any other photos. 

 

 

Wendy Brandes, on the other hand, was more than happy to jump up from the table and a glass of Pinot Grigio to snap some pretty amazing pics.  She tried a video at first, but the lighting didn't allow her to get anything but blurry, bright white figures on the runway so she quickly abandoned that and switched to the regular photo setting...

 

 

At the end of the show the models did one last walk (wearing one piece for each designer) carrying a sign with the name that corresponded to her outfit.  Then, the audience was supposed to tear off their choice from the little booklets left on the tables and place the names into baskets that quickly sashayed through the room by event helpers.

 

finale (the houndstooth trench is mine)

 

The winner was announced and the "ladies who lunch" promptly got up and the room emptied out in what seemed like a few minutes.  Wes Gordon, who also took the title for FGI's 2012 Rising Star in January, reigned triumphant.  I wasn't too disappointed, I just need to figure out how to get something on Michelle Obama like Wes did!  The show was a huge success, I was so thrilled to be a part of such a great event and important cause/charity.  Besides, the plastic, light up, star-shaped ring that I got at the show is STILL twinkling five days later!  Maybe I'm an idealist, but that symbolizes to me that my star is burning bright and will continue to do so.

 

Chicago Gold Coast Fashion Show

I'm thrilled to tell my Taffetadarlings that I have been asked to show my Fall 2012 "Modern World" collection at the 57th Gold Coast Fashion Award Show in Chicago in September.  The show is also a charity event and a competition.  I'll be competing against seven other well-known and established designers such as; FGI Rising Star winner (2012) Wes Gordon, Lyn Devon and Rubin Singer to name a few.  Previous winners include: Oleg Cassini, Bill Blass, Carolyn Roehm, Anne Klein, Donna Karan, Monique Lhuillier and Dennis Basso.  Not bad, huh?

 

Whether or not I end up winning the competition, I feel very honored to be part of an event that not only celebrates young, up-and-coming talent, but also serves as a fundraiser (hosted by the Children's Service Board) benefiting Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago -- one of the top children's hospitals in the nation.

Below is a video "sneak peek" of the magazine shoot.  How nice of them to use my outfit for the thumbnail! 

flattered that tha
 

Wendy Wears It Well!

One of the things I pride myself on as a designer is that I try to make clothes that women can wear -- all women, not just models.  So, it gives me such pleasure to see my pieces on real women with busy lives.  I am lucky to have stylish, confident, smart and sexy clients like Wendy Brandes.  Wendy wears a lot of my pieces and she is probably the best walking advertisement anyone could ask for!  Here is the talented jewelry designer in a dress from my "MODern World" collection...

To view the rest of the collection, check out my Fall 2012 page on my site...

www.stacylomman.com

Inspiration / Interpretation

Designers are always striving to come up with new ideas, new direction and trend.  However, in the world of fashion, most everything has been done already -- many times over.  The peplum is an emerging trend this season, but it's certainly nothing new.  If you didn't own a garment with some sort of peplum treatment back in the eighties, then you must have been living under a rock (or you weren't born yet!).  And the peplum wasn't exactly a new idea back in the eighties either -- it had been done before.  Trends and styles constantly recycle.  In fashion, designers reinterpret these ideas and trends by putting their "spin" on them and making them look fresh and current.  I'm no different.  I've mentioned before that my fall 2012 collection was based on the "mod" scene from the 1960's.  Actually, one of my greatest influences as a young designer was visionary, André Courrèges.  I saw one of his 60's suits featured in Connoisseur Magazine in 1986 and I tore the page out and kept it ever since.  I always wanted to do something that payed homage to the suit and to the great designer so, in February, I finally did.

INSPIRATION

André Courrèges suit, 1965
(photo source left, right)

INTERPRETATION

  

STACY LOMMAN : NEW YORK / Fall 2012

Photos: Shane LaVancher

To view the rest of my fall, "Modern World" collection and to hear me speak about my influence and about Courrèges, check out the video below (directed by Steve Lars).

Google Chrome, Why Do You Hate Me?

Dear Taffetadarlings,

Please accept my apologies for my absence as of late.  I have been struggling with so many different Internet and computer issues it would make your head spin.  Google Chrome refueses to download properly, so until I can solve that problem, they have control of my blog and I am hostage to the impossible mess it's made with my formatting, etc.  None of the content is highlightable, therefore, I can not italicize, underline or even change font color (or size or type).  The cursor doesn't work and there is no scrolling.  Infuriating.  This is how my page looks (below) as I try to type a new post...

I've been wanting to share some more photos from my show/collection, but it's so hard to post photos on this thing right now.  Be patient and check back often.  Meanwhile, I will leave you with this...

 STACY LOMMAN : NEW YORK / Fall 2012

Royal blue wool gabardine racer back dress with red trim

Model: Caitlin Sloat (Major)

Photo: Shane LaVancher

Goal and Win!

It's been a good week Taffetadarlings!  I reached my fundraising goal on Kickstarter and I couldn't have done it without your help.  Every season, I've had such an overwhelming amount of support and encouragement and this time was no different.  Also, with each collection, I've had a few "angels" come out of nowhere to surprise me with their extreme generosity.   I feel incredibly lucky that such wonderful people have so much faith in me and my work.  Thanks to everyone who contributed this season (and past seasons), I'm so excited for Fall 2012, "Modern World!"

The other piece of good news I received recently was being named as a finalist for the Fashion Group International's 2012 Rising Star Awards in women's ready-to-wear.  The awards luncheon, to announce the winners, was held on Thursday, January 26 and I got up bright and early to head over to my girl, and fellow finalist in the fine jewelry category, Wendy Brandes' place.  I brought her a freshly finished dress I made for her to wear for the happy occasion. 

Wendy in her red peplum dress

While I didn't snag the prize this year, I was so happy to be a finalist and I've set my sights on next year!  The good news is that WendyB DID snag the award for fine jewelry!  Yay!  So, she and my dress (well, it's technically hers) stepped up to the stage looking radiant.  I was so happy for her that the elation just spewed out of me and I inadvertently let out a "Whooo, yah Wendy!"

(right to left) Wendy, holding her award; friend, client and Kickstarter contributor, Christine; me wearing an orchid -- all of the finalists were given corsages!

I was at a table with my friend James, and his group from Hearst and thankfully, they didn't view my little outburst as obnoxious, but genuine.  They had all commented on our "tag team" dynamic when I passed the elaborate Empress Wu dragon ring that caught everyone's eye around the table for them to admire (Wendy let me borrow it for the day!).  "You guys are adorable," they gushed.  "You wear her jewelry and she wears your clothes!"  And Wendy made sure that the entire crowd at Cipriani knew that she was wearing my dress when she thanked me in her perfect speech.  Talk about sharing the spotlight!  Now, that's generosity in its purest.

 

proudly displaying Wendy's Empress Wu dragon ring!

Faux Ostrich Anyone?

I'm still pushing forward with my Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for my fall 2012 collection and I've recently added another sponsor tier to the project.  A contribution of $1000 will not only get you a custom faux ostrich vest, but it will help an up-and-coming designer (ME!) to show this season at New York Fashion Week.  Not into ostrich?  No problem!  I have a variety "prize" categories for different sponsorship levels.  Maybe you'd rather have a pair of retro sunglasses with my logo or a mug, keychain, tote bag or a collection T-shirt?  Check out my project on Kickstarter and if you're feeling generous, please make a donation -- you'll instantly become a fashionista... one of the cool kids (in my book!!).

long faux ostrich vest from my fall 2012 collection (shorter option available!)