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.

Stacy's Style List

99% of the time when I meet somebody new and they ask me what I do, their immediate reaction is to point at whatever it is I'm wearing (and it could literally be a pair of Levi's and a Hanes tee) and say, "Is that yours?"  While it can drive me a little crazy, I guess most people don't really understand what goes into making one-of-a-kind pieces.  I wish I had an unlimited amount of time to spend draping on my trusty dress form, Sadie and sitting at my sewing machine, but I have to eat, sleep (on occasion), clean, do laundry (rarely), grocery shop and, oh yeah... run a business.  Often, that means multiple trips to Staples, the post office and the garment center in addition to the day to day sketching, sewing and hours of email correspondence. Of course, if a chain store wanted to place an order for 100,000 units, I'd have a factory make the product and I'd be able to produce many more styles than I do as one individual.  That being said, I most often save my own pieces for important events and the rest of the time I wear other labels and brands just like the rest of you.  We're experiencing some extra warm spring weather in NYC lately, so I'm sharing my style picks for right now...

 

Gucci Side Band Pant

Available at Bergdorf Goodman

 

Burberry Trench

Available at Neiman Marcus 

 

Rick Owens, Spring 2012 Runway

Style.com (Photo: Marcus Tondo/GoRunway.com)

The Big "O"

NO, it’s not what you’re thinking! Really people, this is a PG-13 blog! Most of the time. And no, I’m not talking about the Oscars, or Oprah. The “Big O” refers to the eccentric and fabulously talented Rick Owens. Rick is a California boy who “pulled a Ralph Rucci” times ten! By that, I mean he not only showed in Paris once or twice, but he ONLY shows his collections in Paris. He has even gone so far as to become a permanent resident in 2003. The French have totally embraced Owens as one of their own, apparently more so than the fairly reserved American fashionistas. But, all of that seems to be changing because Owens has been on fire in the states for a few seasons now.

Rick Owens - Fall 2010

Photo Credits: Firstview

I went to Barney’s yesterday with my stylish friend and accessory expert, Rachel and I came across an exquisite, perfect little crochet sweater by Rick Owens. I was drawn to it right away. I loved the color, the stitch pattern, the asymmetric shape, the shoulder detail created by introducing a second yarn quality with a fuzzy texture… sublime! I can’t locate it on Barney’s web site so I can’t share a photo, sorry.

Rick Owens - Spring 2010

Photo Credits: Coutorture

Rachel suggested rocking a white tank with the holey (and Godlike Holy) piece which sounded like a good idea to me! I thought about it: $19.99 for an Abercrombie tank on Chase debit card, $1,700.00 for a Rick Owens crochet sweater on imaginary credit card. Marveling at the idea of having that kind of disposable income… priceless! Needless to say, I didn’t make the purchase! Rachel, however, did find quite a cute little printed cotton dress by Isabel Marant, so the excursion was a success.

Rick Owens - Fall 2008

Photo Credits: Firstview

I topped off the lovely day of shopping with a little Oscar party at the gorgeous WendyB and MrB’s place (OK, there – I mentioned the Oscars!). Wendy and I were disappointed with what we saw on the red carpet, but more on that tomorrow!

"Rad - ical"

Canadian born, New York based designer Rad Hourani is my latest fashion passion. The young designer only has five collections under his belt and he’s already launched a second (more affordable) line, RAD by Rad Hourani.  Hourani’s aesthetic has been compared to Demeulemeester, Helmut Lang and Rick Owens, but the fledgling designer strives to be unique. Like the aforementioned masters, Hourani uses black to a fault and plays with linear layered styling. But, it's his unisex approach to clothes that sets him apart from the rest. Rad tends to attract an avant-garde and fearless clientele.  It also helps to be a skinny minny, but I won't let that stop me!

From Rad Hourani Collection Fall '09

Outfit from RAD by Rad Hourani - Fall '09

I thought this would be an appropriate song to accompany this post!