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!

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).

From Sketch To Runway

 

Left: original sketch / Right: on the runway (photo: Randy Brooke)

Lots of people have asked me about my design process and how I get from concept to runway.  Well, it's a long and often challenging road with bumps (and sometimes giant pot holes) along the way.  But, in facing challenges and solving problems, designers come up with some pretty great stuff. What happens at 3.30 am when you realize you've underestimated the yardage you had left of a certain fabric?  Get creative.  Think outside the box and work with what you have because buying more fabric at 3.30 in the morning is not an option and finishing the piece tomorrow, when stores are open, would be too late.

 

original sketch

Left: houndstooth trench on the runway (model: Danielle, photo: Randy Brooke) / Right: coat on WendyB 

So, quite often, we (designers) change our original ideas, if only just slightly, to either solve a problem or just because we thought of something a little bit cooler along the way.  For me, I find one of the advantages to doing all of my own fabric research, draping and sewing is that I have total control over the entire design process.  Absolute freedom -- such is not the case when working under another company's corporate structure.

 

 original sketch

 

bouclé cape on the runway (model: Que / photo: Randy Brooke)  

   

backstage... (model: Que / photo: Randy Brooke)

I am an extremely visual person, but I tend to work better three dimensionally rather than through a sketch, so some of the creativity happens on the figure during the draping process.  Draping is dimensional, it's "hands on," tangible.  Things can happen on the form that can't always happen in a sketch.  Proportion becomes more distinguishable, volume is gauged better, shape is more discernible. Therefore, adjustments, additions and enhancements take place and I deviate from the original sketch a little bit. 

original sketch

Left: long coat, houndstooth shorts and handknit scarf on the runway (model: Alexandra, photo: Randy Brooke)

Right: back view of same coat in lookbook shoot (model: Caitlin Sloat, photo: Shane LaVancher)

Sometimes, I don't bother to give much detail or color to a sketch at all. I just have a general idea of what I want, in my mind's eye, and I wait until I can refine the piece -- psychically, on the mannequin.  I've whipped up fabulous ideas on airport napkins, receipts or the back of a business card just to quickly get a concept recorded before I forget.  I guess it's kind of like being a comedian who quickly jots down a 'bit' before it escapes their mind.  Even when they wake up in the middle of the night...

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

BIOHAZARD VIDEO!!

It's here, it's finally here!  Hope you guys enjoy it... feel free to share!  Isn't it incredible what a little crowdsourcing/fundraising can accomplish?  Thank you to everyone who contributed, supported, participated and rooted for me!!!  I'm so happy with the result and so grateful that you guys all helped make it happen!

STACY LOMMAN : NEW YORK

SPRING 2012 : BIOHAZARD COLLECTION

BREAKING NEWS!

I'm just eight short days from the end of my Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for my Spring 2012 "Biohazard" Collection!  On one hand, I'm excited, motivated and energized, while on the other hand, I'm a bit nervous since I'm still $1500 short of my goal.  As most of you know, if I fall short, the plug is pulled on the project and it gets filed under "Unsuccessful."  Let me just say that I do not "do" unsuccessful.  No way.  I'm a Type A personality with an extra gene of determination.  I don't like to lose and I give everything I do 110% effort.  Scared?  Good, I will use any tactic right now to get donations! 

just some of the choices... more where these came from...

So, I'm pulling out the heavy artillery -- I'm offering to auction off a custom piece from new line.  The price on Kickstarter is $2,000 and you can snatch up the last spot by pledging that amount if you want to be absolutely sure to secure a garment.  Or, you can take a shot at bidding for it and try your luck. I've added a new "awards category" on my Kickstarter page starting at $499 for the opening bid!  Any takers?  It's a STEAL!!!  Let the bidding begin...

Of course, if you want to contribute (which I would appreciate beyond belief), you can pledge ANY amount, from $5 upward.  If I can get 100 people to donate $5 each, that is a HUGE help!  200 people -- even better!!  Pass this along to anyone you know who loves fashion!