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.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hope it's a good one my taffetadarlings!  And remember, don't pull an "Oscar Pistorius" today no matter how much your mate drives you insane! 

STACY LOMMAN - SPRING '13

'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.

The Final Countdown!

Just one more day before the Kickstarter fundraiser closes for my Spring 2013 photo shoot.  Don't miss out on a chance to get a collection look book, tee shirt, logo embossed leather cuff or a pair of my popular rib knit arm warmers (pictured below). 

 

STACY LOMMAN : NEW YORK

Fall 2012

(Photo: Randy Brooke / Model: Daria)

 

And since the opportunity to collaborate with me on a custom piece went pretty quickly, I updated the project to include one more!   I'm in the process of writing a blog post explaining the entire process I go through when I create my one-of-a-kind pieces and how much time is involved. You'll see that the $1000 offer on my Kickstarter campaign is quite a bargain!!  Hurry up before it's too late!

 

CONTRIBUTE TO THE PHOTO SHOOT AND GET AN OUTFIT OR SOME OTHER COOL THINGS!

 

 

 And now I will leave you with a little bit of cheese...

 

Tick Tock Goes The Fashion Clock!

Just a few days left to make a pledge!  I met my goal, so the good news is that my project will be funded!  The less desirable news is that the expenses are starting to add up as expected... and then some!  Typical.  Even the smallest contribution will help a great deal!  Click below to read about the photo shoot and see what little rewards you can get by donating.  If not for me, do it for FASHION my Taffetadarlings! 

 

Photo Shoot Time! Kick Me Again!

Many of my Taffetadarlings have inquired whether or not I was going to do a new Kickstarter campaign for my Spring 2013 collection.  Well, I decided to skip it this time around and campaign for a photo shoot instead.  It's such a massive undertaking to put a collection and runway show together, and since I've done it four times already (with all of your help, of course!), I focused on a small capsule collection this season.  I mostly do custom work anyway, so it seemed to make the most sense.

 

from the new collection

 

The concept is settled, fabrics purchased (and I must say, they are gorgeous!), sketches complete and samples are on their way!  What IS the theme you ask?  I always like to concentrate on a particular idea, era or style each season and this time around, I drew inspiration from the Rockabilly world.  As with most of my themes, it is something that has been interesting to me for quite a while and it just takes the right timing to pull out the idea and bring it to life -- such an exciting part of the process for a designer!

 

inspiration

 

some fabric from the collection and a model car

 

Over the last few seasons, I've been following my runway shows with a photo shoot to produce a look book.  Why?  Well, it's a selling tool.  It's tangible.  It's permanent.  The runway show, while it's pretty much a necessity, is fleeting.  Many shows run less than ten minutes and don't always draw the most important people in the industry that designers need to reach.  That is due in part to the hectic schedule during Fashion Week with five or six shows overlapping at any given hour, and also because it is definitely a struggle as an emerging designer to fill the seats with the likes of Anna Wintour.  But, that is the ultimate goal and I still believe it's achievable!

 

 

 

 left: more fabric from the collection / right: vintage Miriam Haskell bolo tie that I bought at a flea market in the 80's - served as inspiration

 

So, that's where the look book comes into play.  These books can be mailed to key store buyers, magazine editors, etc. along with detailed descriptions of the outfits.  The pictures are taken in a controlled environment which allows for the lighting to capture details and fabric textures that are often lost on the runway.  The books are an absolutely imperative tool when trying to sell not only the garments themselves, but a brand, an image.  In addition to the books, I use the pictures on my web site so you can understand how important it is to have these photos.

 

photo: Shane LaVancher / model: Caitlin Sloat

from last season's shoot

 

What happens during a typical photo session?  I'm not gonna lie -- it's a blast.  Of course, it's a lot of work and I don't think I've been involved in a shoot that didn't last at least twelve hours (with a quick lunch break), so it's a long and tedious day.  But, there isn't the pressure of a live show and I get to collaborate with seriously talented people who are all helping to make my clothes look the best they can.

 

photo: Shane LaVancher / model: Julia Kravetz

fall 2011

 

The team basically consists of the photographer, photographer's assistant (who does a lot of running around, adjusting light, holding up screens, etc.), the model(s), hair stylist, makeup artist and me!  So, everybody needs to get paid (except me) and fed.  It's the designers responsibility (or whoever arranged the shoot) to pick up the lunch tab.  That's okay, I prefer to have everybody happy not hungry!

 

photo: Shane LaVancher / model: Elicia Perkins

 

The day begins (earlier than I would like) with me schlepping the samples, shoes, accessories, etc. to the shoot location and I unpack and start steaming.  After a coffee, of course.  The photographer is there setting up (and this takes a few hours) to get everything arranged just right.  We go over the concept again and talk specifics.  Prior to the shoot, we will have had at least one meeting to discuss my collection and what I want to portray in the photos.

 

hair stylist Lucie works her magic

 

Then, the hair and makeup team arrives and starts to get organized.  Shortly thereafter, the model(s) show up and the stylists and artists go to work.  Again, I will have sent ideas, pictures, etc. to the hair/makeup team so they can get an idea of the concept and the image that I want to achieve.  Usually, they stick some pictures to the mirror for reference during the shoot.  But, I also like to let creative people be creative and I'm happy to let them put their own spin on things.

 

makeup artist Rieko works on model Juila during my Fall 2011 shoot

 

Most of the work seems to happen in the first three to four hours of the shoot because there is so much preparation.  But, once the first outfit is finished, things move along at a fairly nice pace and while it can take some time to nail just the right shot, it's so much fun to watch the process and I'm in awe of the photographer's skills.  Sometimes while this is all happening, I see something I hadn't before or think of a new pose that might work -- with so much creativity in one room it's hard not to feel inspired!

 

photo: Shane LaVancher / model: Caitlin Sloat

 

Now you know what happens behind-the-scenes and why a look book is necessary in the first place.  I hope you've enjoyed today's lesson!  LOL. Please consider donating to the campaign so that I can make this shoot happen!!  Check out the project on Kickstarter and see what cool little rewards you can get for becoming a sponsor!

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.

 

Post Olympics - Missing Britain

I was sad to bid farewell to the Olympic Games even though I wasn't overly thrilled with NBC's coverage.  Did we really need to see four thousand hours of water polo?  I said it before, I'll say it again, "Fun to play, boring to watch."  Aside from a few athletes/races/events, I thought the fun segments that Mary Carillo did as she traveled all over the city of London and the country were pretty much the highlights of the summer games (BTW, doesn't she have the BEST job?).  They made me miss England since I haven't traveled there for several years now.  Since the Games have been over, I've been feeling nostalgic and I took the opportunity last night to wear the "Union Jack Dress" from my Fall 2012, Modern World Collection. 

 

posing in front of Lincoln Center

 

Dress: Stacy Lomman : New York

Shoes: Via Spiga

Bag: Francesco Biasia

Skull Ring: Wendy Brandes Jewelry

 

As most of you know, New York Fashion Week is happening and last evening Zang Toi showed an unbelievably exquisite collection.  I attended the show with jewelry designer, Wendy Brandes who looked beautiful (and tall!) in one of Zang's dresses.  I might be a bit biased, but I think the two of us were the best dressed!  Kirstie Alley had nothin' on us -- okay, she had her dance partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy on her arm, but I digress...

 

Wendy Brandes wearing Zang Toi

 

front view of my "Union Jack" dress

 

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

Vote For Julia!

BCBG/MAXAZRIA is looking for a new face for their Spring 2013 campaign and you can help choose!  I did!  I voted for Julia Kravets, the stunning creature in the photos below.  I had the pleasure of working with Julia while shooting my spring 2012 lookbook for my "Biohazard Collection" and she couldn't have been more cooperative, though we hardly had to give her any direction at all -- she is a natural.

Julia poses for my Spring 2012 lookbook

All photos: Shane LaVancher

Click this link and cast your vote for Julia today!!  Voting closes in just three days, so don't wait... do it now, it will take just two minutes of your time, but it can make a world of difference!

 

Julia is killing it in this photo!  Wearing a camel wool/mohair cape from my Fall 2011 "Les Femmes de la Resistance" collection

Pedro may promise that all of your wildest dreams will come true if you vote for him, but just this one time I'm asking you to vote for Julia instead to make HER wildest dreams come true! 

  

sorry Pedro, not this time

 Julia wears the WendyB dress from my evening/holiday collection

 the versatile model in a bronze cashmere strapless dress from my Fall 2011 collection