Showing posts with label new york fashion week. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new york fashion week. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Aw, Shucks!
A very nice review from the blog, Fashion Herald, and statuesque blogger Tricia (who would look FAB in Stacy Lomman : New York)!!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
Fall 2011 Fashion Show
For those of you who do not have a Facebook account (the "anti-FB's"), I wanted to share my Fall 2011 Collection with you. After hours and hours of editing and arranging still photos, sound bytes and runway clips with my videographer extraordinaire, the video is finally here! Hope you enjoy...
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
STACY LOMMAN : NEW YORK -- Spring 2011 Collection
New York Fashion Week -- Monday, September 13, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
A Designer's Dream
I had a dream... OK, I won't go there! But, the truth is that I did, in fact, have a dream to be a designer and to put on a show (well, many shows) during New York Fashion Week. So, a young girl from Amish Country, PA came to the big city with stars in her eyes and passion in her heart. Sadie (my dress form that I bought for $15 in 1985 and wheeled out of a store in the mall that was going out of business) and I, settled in NYC after finishing design school.
Immediately, I got into a pattern (or a rut as it proved). Upon graduating from F.I.T., I needed to land a job within two weeks so that I could pay rent on the apartment that I managed to get... otherwise, I'd be kicked to the curb. So, I took what I could get in the world of fashion and started as an assistant in an outerwear company and barely scraped by. I continued down this path for many many years, leaving companies for better opportunities and bigger paychecks, but I never had the time or the means to actually venture out on my own. As I say in the video (below) while backstage at my first show, "It's more than a 24/7 undertaking."
Since, I found myself with ample time recently (as the job market has all but disappeared), I decided it was the perfect moment to launch my line. Crazy? Maybe. But, it worked! The problem had always been financing -- how do I pay NYC rent and other expenses at the same time that I'm trying to put a collection together (which requires a lot of capital)? I needed a miracle. An angel. Well, I found several angels. Sixty-five to be exact.
One day, I decided to raise money through sponsors to start my label. Knowing that my concept for the collection was metal (titled "Precious Metal") I boldly approached Goldschläger Liqueur. Liquor companies love getting involved with these kind of things, I thought. They crave having their name/logo plastered all over the place and being that Goldschläger has flakes of 24 karat gold floating around, I didn't see how they could resist being part of my "Precious Metal" collection. Well, they resisted. They never responded to me. OK, I won't hold it against them... they obviously don't know a good thing when it drops in their lap. No offense taken! So, what were my options? Fabric companies? They weren't giving me a dime. What to do, what to do. Enter social media expert, jewelry designer and blogger extraordinaire, Wendy Brandes.
Most of you who read my blog are familiar with WendyB, her jewelry and her blog. In fact, most of you who read my blog found me through WendyB!! After my failed attempts to get sponsorship through companies, Wendy mentioned a website she had heard about called "Kickstarter," which provides a platform for all kinds of artists to generate funding for their projects. I filled out all of the pertinent information, stated my case and submitted the forms to Kickstarter. After four days, I received a notice that I had been approved and that I could launch my project. Not sure of how this site would work for me or how many (or few) people it would actually reach, I set my goal number fairy low. The catch is, if you don't reach the goal, you don't get the cash. Even if you're $5 short.
To my surprise, my project took off at a blazing speed. I received emails from people I'd never met wishing me well and rooting for me. Many of those people became my sponsors and generously opened their wallets in the worst economy ever (well, close) to cheer me on and offer their help and support. I admit, there were a few times I became completely overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude. The outpouring of positive energy propelled me forward and helped me to put together my first collection under my own name!
Everyone who stood behind me is an angel! And not just my sponsors... my friends at Bernhard Link and Bricco Restaurant couldn't have been more helpful. Randy, Steve, Christy, Sylvia, Ernest and David were troopers. And of course, the brilliant, WendyB, mom & dad and my cool as hell sister, Kim!
The "Anna" dress -- sponsor JEC
The "Emilia" dress -- sponsor JEC
Since, I found myself with ample time recently (as the job market has all but disappeared), I decided it was the perfect moment to launch my line. Crazy? Maybe. But, it worked! The problem had always been financing -- how do I pay NYC rent and other expenses at the same time that I'm trying to put a collection together (which requires a lot of capital)? I needed a miracle. An angel. Well, I found several angels. Sixty-five to be exact.
The gorgeous "Gwendolyn P" dress -- sponsored by Taffetadarlings reader and major supporter, Christine (note the Wendy Brandes "Cleopatra" earrings)
The hot "Elizabeth" dress -- sponsored by fellow blogger and huge supporter, Elizabeth
One day, I decided to raise money through sponsors to start my label. Knowing that my concept for the collection was metal (titled "Precious Metal") I boldly approached Goldschläger Liqueur. Liquor companies love getting involved with these kind of things, I thought. They crave having their name/logo plastered all over the place and being that Goldschläger has flakes of 24 karat gold floating around, I didn't see how they could resist being part of my "Precious Metal" collection. Well, they resisted. They never responded to me. OK, I won't hold it against them... they obviously don't know a good thing when it drops in their lap. No offense taken! So, what were my options? Fabric companies? They weren't giving me a dime. What to do, what to do. Enter social media expert, jewelry designer and blogger extraordinaire, Wendy Brandes.
The sexy "WendyB" dress -- sponsored by the sexy WendyB!
Most of you who read my blog are familiar with WendyB, her jewelry and her blog. In fact, most of you who read my blog found me through WendyB!! After my failed attempts to get sponsorship through companies, Wendy mentioned a website she had heard about called "Kickstarter," which provides a platform for all kinds of artists to generate funding for their projects. I filled out all of the pertinent information, stated my case and submitted the forms to Kickstarter. After four days, I received a notice that I had been approved and that I could launch my project. Not sure of how this site would work for me or how many (or few) people it would actually reach, I set my goal number fairy low. The catch is, if you don't reach the goal, you don't get the cash. Even if you're $5 short.
The "Jocelyn" dress -- sponsor, Jocelyn Jeffries-Bruno
The "Melissa O" dress -- sponsor, Melissa Offenhartz
To my surprise, my project took off at a blazing speed. I received emails from people I'd never met wishing me well and rooting for me. Many of those people became my sponsors and generously opened their wallets in the worst economy ever (well, close) to cheer me on and offer their help and support. I admit, there were a few times I became completely overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude. The outpouring of positive energy propelled me forward and helped me to put together my first collection under my own name!
The "Melissa DC" dress -- sponsored by fellow blogger, Melissa Doan-Cenker
Everyone who stood behind me is an angel! And not just my sponsors... my friends at Bernhard Link and Bricco Restaurant couldn't have been more helpful. Randy, Steve, Christy, Sylvia, Ernest and David were troopers. And of course, the brilliant, WendyB, mom & dad and my cool as hell sister, Kim!
The "Suzette" dress -- sponsored by my mommy!
The "Kimberly" dress -- sponsored by my sis
Hope you enjoy all the photos and the backstage footage. I'll post the show tomorrow!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
I'm gonna HUFF and HUFF and blow your socks off!
OK taffetadarlings, as promised, here it is! Check out the video report from the Huffington Post. What a great job they did with the story. I was flattered to be approached by journalist, Samira Nanda, who climbed the five flights of stairs (6 months pregnant to boot!) to my work space without a smidge of complaint! She and videographer, Hunter Stuart filmed me working on my samples, doing a fitting and talking about the power of social media. Media Power! Hunter also came to my show on Monday and got some backstage footage (pretty much me being a nervous wreck) as well as the actual presentation.
Take a look at the edited 2 minute clip.... it's fantastic! Also, please leave your feedback/comments!
Take a look at the edited 2 minute clip.... it's fantastic! Also, please leave your feedback/comments!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Show Press!!
Okay, okay, have patience my taffetadarlings! I've been running around like crazy and just picked up the CD from the show photographer... pictures coming soon! Meanwhile, I wanted to share a couple of pieces from the press... pretty exciting, huh?
I am so proud to be in a video interview in the Huffington Post! Take a look...
And read about my show in the Lookonline...
I am so proud to be in a video interview in the Huffington Post! Take a look...
And read about my show in the Lookonline...
Sunday, September 12, 2010
24
This is it. Just one more day. I am busy tying up all kinds of loose ends (some of them threads, actually!) for my "big reveal" tomorrow evening. I can't express how excited I am to be showing my debut collection during New York Fashion Week. This has been a dream of mine (and Sadie... my dress form I've had since 1985) for so long, I can't even begin to process that it is happening...TOMORROW!
This is how I feel with just twenty, twenty, twenty four hours to go...
I have to thank all of the incredibly positive and supportive people who sponsored me and stepped up to help me realize my dream. There is no question that I would not be here, just 24 hours away from my first showing at NY Fashion Week without their help. Thank you a million times over!!
This is how I feel with just twenty, twenty, twenty four hours to go...
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Fall Back Just As We Spring Forward
Just as it's starting to get hot and we approach the official start of summer, designers are stressing out about delivering their first shipment of Fall 2010 merchandise to the stores. They are also starting to get their creative juices flowing as they turn their attention to Fall 2011.
So, what can we expect to see in the stores in July and August? I thought I would share my Fashion Week overview that I wrote for the Fashion Group International. I also have a report on FGI's Fall Ready-to-Wear presentation by Marylou Luther, but that piece is in the bulletin for members only. To become a member of the Fashion Group International, check out their website.
Fall 2010 New York Fashion Week started as sadly as it ended, bracketed by the tragic passing of designer genius Alexander McQueen and a heartfelt farewell to Bryant Park. But, what was sandwiched in between was pretty fantastic.
Many designers opted to show off-site instead of the tents. Tent favorite Ralph Rucci unveiled his exquisite pieces in his SoHo space, Betsey Johnson showed at the Altman Building and FGI provided the space for its rising star winner, Peter Hiladgo, to exhibit his subtly intricate dresses. Marc Jacobs scaled back his guest list at the armory, but uploaded his show to YouTube for the entire world to see just hours later. Alexander Wang broadcasted his show on a giant LED screen in Times Square.
Neutral color palettes dominated the runways. On the first day in the tents, Max Azria sent shades of taupe and grey strolling down the catwalk. He followed with similar palettes at the BCBG show and for Herve Leger later in the week. Ports 1961 designer Tia Cibani also showcased tones of grey warmed up with rich browns and bronze. Designer duo Costello Tagliapietra chose toasty desert hues complemented by dusty rose and fiery orange. Other designers to stand their neutral ground included Michael Angel, Catherine Malandrino, Cynthia Steffe and Behnaz Sarafpour.
Classic camel is definitely back in vogue—not that it’s ever really out (that’s why we call it “classic”). But, it is one of the “must have” colors for fall. Carolina Herrera, Michael Kors and Yeohlee featured camel color as did last season’s Project Runway winner, Irina Shabayeva, who showed a herd of camel coats, a few of which were painted with feathers. Speaking of camel coats, Carolina Herrera showcased some of the most beautiful outerwear pieces of the season in double-faced cashmere with sable trim.
Color blocking continues as a trend. Grey and nutty-brown serve as the foundation for DKNY’s fall 2010 collection. These base colors were chopped into patterns using shots of cobalt, chocolate and maroon. Phillip Lim approached color blocking a little differently, through oversized buffalo checks showing up in a skirt, pant, shorts and a cape.
Luxury and fur continue to thrive, and while many designers are scaling back, there are those who will never need to—and the society women who buy their clothes would not stand for it anyway. Ralph Rucci added a little more sex appeal to draw in a younger customer this season, but his main focus remained on his loyal clients. He showed refined, sophisticated pieces in moiré, cashmere, mink, leather and guinea feathers.
“Ladies Who Lunch” won’t have to look much further than Oscar de la Renta next fall. Feminine skirt suits and outerwear in expensive fabrics were accented with fur. Colors were strong and saturated, belts flattered waistlines and prints were appropriately fresh. The award for the use of the most fur goes to designer Dennis Basso. Basso showed one exquisitely lavish coat, capelet and stole after another.
A movement to bring professional attire back to the workplace for fall 2010 was indicated. Tailored suits took a serious stroll down the runway at Marc Jacobs, Vera Wang, Tahari and Ralph Lauren. At Jacobs’ show, shoulders remained strong, but were brought in considerably from his fall 2009 proportion, and crisp menswear jackets still looked soft and pretty. Along with her lovely little black cocktail dresses, Wang mixed in several black tie suits. Tahari belted the jackets, a la YSL, on his sleek power suits while Lauren’s beautifully tailored herringbone and velvet jackets armed with leg o’ mutton sleeves were balanced with slim-fitting trousers.
Several designers went for a stripped-down and refined approach for fall 2010. The King of Minimalism, Franciso Costa, brought us sculptured silhouettes that morphed into rounder shapes for Calvin Klein this season. Narciso stuck to his usual formula, producing clean yet cleverly executed dresses and jackets. While maintaining fuss-free, classic styling, Michael Kors kept things from looking uptight by baring a leg with a high slit in a skirt or showing some skin with an ultra-deep V-neck. Even the typically bold and sometimes overdeveloped Isaac Mizrahi toned it down and outfitted his women in lots of solid neutral-based colors, subtle prints and simple shapes.
Bryant Park has served as the venue for New York Fashion Week since IMG Fashion Sr. V.P. Fern Mallis put it there back in 1993. While it’s sad to say good-bye, we are moving forward—and according to IMG Fashion, the space at Lincoln Center offers 25 percent more square footage than Bryant Park.
DKNY runway, Fall 2010
Photo: Coutorture
So, what can we expect to see in the stores in July and August? I thought I would share my Fashion Week overview that I wrote for the Fashion Group International. I also have a report on FGI's Fall Ready-to-Wear presentation by Marylou Luther, but that piece is in the bulletin for members only. To become a member of the Fashion Group International, check out their website.
Fall 2010 New York Fashion Week started as sadly as it ended, bracketed by the tragic passing of designer genius Alexander McQueen and a heartfelt farewell to Bryant Park. But, what was sandwiched in between was pretty fantastic.
Alexander McQueen
Many designers opted to show off-site instead of the tents. Tent favorite Ralph Rucci unveiled his exquisite pieces in his SoHo space, Betsey Johnson showed at the Altman Building and FGI provided the space for its rising star winner, Peter Hiladgo, to exhibit his subtly intricate dresses. Marc Jacobs scaled back his guest list at the armory, but uploaded his show to YouTube for the entire world to see just hours later. Alexander Wang broadcasted his show on a giant LED screen in Times Square.
Neutral color palettes dominated the runways. On the first day in the tents, Max Azria sent shades of taupe and grey strolling down the catwalk. He followed with similar palettes at the BCBG show and for Herve Leger later in the week. Ports 1961 designer Tia Cibani also showcased tones of grey warmed up with rich browns and bronze. Designer duo Costello Tagliapietra chose toasty desert hues complemented by dusty rose and fiery orange. Other designers to stand their neutral ground included Michael Angel, Catherine Malandrino, Cynthia Steffe and Behnaz Sarafpour.
Costello Tagliapietra (left), Ports 1961 (right)
Photo Credits: Firstview
Classic camel is definitely back in vogue—not that it’s ever really out (that’s why we call it “classic”). But, it is one of the “must have” colors for fall. Carolina Herrera, Michael Kors and Yeohlee featured camel color as did last season’s Project Runway winner, Irina Shabayeva, who showed a herd of camel coats, a few of which were painted with feathers. Speaking of camel coats, Carolina Herrera showcased some of the most beautiful outerwear pieces of the season in double-faced cashmere with sable trim.
Carolina Herrera (left), Irina Shabeyeva (right)
Photo Credits: Firstview
While dove grey, beige, camel and pale tints ruled the runways, the fall 2010 season is not going to be completely colorless–shades of red, purple, turquoise and cobalt all made a strong appearance on the catwalks as well. The Custo Barcelona show was, as usual, a huge draw, and Spanish designer Custo Dalmau never fails to please the crowd: The label is known for color, wild prints and mixing unexpected fabrics. Custo’s fall 2010 collection added some much needed vibrancy to the sea of neutrals flooding the runways that week. We also saw bright color and pattern from Anna Sui, Alexander Herchcovitch and Peter Som.
Custo Barcelona
Color blocking continues as a trend. Grey and nutty-brown serve as the foundation for DKNY’s fall 2010 collection. These base colors were chopped into patterns using shots of cobalt, chocolate and maroon. Phillip Lim approached color blocking a little differently, through oversized buffalo checks showing up in a skirt, pant, shorts and a cape.
DKNY
Photo: Firstview
Also, an emphasis on texture was apparent on the runways—the fall/winter season is a natural for chunky fibers and yarns. We saw plush velvet, extravagant fur, wooly knits, nubby tweeds and crosshatch menswear suiting. Donna Karan contrasted textured fabrics with buttery satin, which contributed to the modern quality of her line.
Donna Karan
Photo: Firstview
Save the Garment Center crusader Nanette Lepore worked in a rich, warm palette encompassing texture through plaid flannel, metallic jacquard, plush velvet and beading. Diane von Furstenburg showcased just a few of the cozy knit sweaters we’ve come to except from her, but this season, DVF added other textural elements, such as metallic embellishment, fur, prints and rosettes. The Rodarte girls went for an arts & crafts patchwork feeling for fall 2010, mixing knits with chiffon, prints with plaid and crochets and embroideries.
Nanette Lepore (left), DVF (right)
Photo Credits: Firstview
Luxury and fur continue to thrive, and while many designers are scaling back, there are those who will never need to—and the society women who buy their clothes would not stand for it anyway. Ralph Rucci added a little more sex appeal to draw in a younger customer this season, but his main focus remained on his loyal clients. He showed refined, sophisticated pieces in moiré, cashmere, mink, leather and guinea feathers.
Ralph Rucci
Photo: Firstview
“Ladies Who Lunch” won’t have to look much further than Oscar de la Renta next fall. Feminine skirt suits and outerwear in expensive fabrics were accented with fur. Colors were strong and saturated, belts flattered waistlines and prints were appropriately fresh. The award for the use of the most fur goes to designer Dennis Basso. Basso showed one exquisitely lavish coat, capelet and stole after another.
Oscar de la Renta (left), Dennis Basso (right)
Photos: Firstview
Leather is another fall staple and the 2010 season did not disappoint. Newcomer Joseph Altuzarra showed a tight little assortment of leather, fur-trimmed, cinched-waist, sexy black jackets, dresses and skirts. Coach’s Reed Krakoff debuted his signature line at a gallery in Chelsea. The military-themed collection featured shearling and leather mixed with wool and knits. Rad Hourani and Yigal Azrouel are two young designers who show both men’s and women’s apparel. Both designers used leather quite liberally. Even the Proenza Schouler boys mixed some leather into their graphically driven collection.
Yigal Azrouel (left), Reed Krakoff (right)
Photos: Firstview
A movement to bring professional attire back to the workplace for fall 2010 was indicated. Tailored suits took a serious stroll down the runway at Marc Jacobs, Vera Wang, Tahari and Ralph Lauren. At Jacobs’ show, shoulders remained strong, but were brought in considerably from his fall 2009 proportion, and crisp menswear jackets still looked soft and pretty. Along with her lovely little black cocktail dresses, Wang mixed in several black tie suits. Tahari belted the jackets, a la YSL, on his sleek power suits while Lauren’s beautifully tailored herringbone and velvet jackets armed with leg o’ mutton sleeves were balanced with slim-fitting trousers.
Tahari (left), Marc Jacobs (middle), Ralph Lauren (right)
Photos: Firstview
Several designers went for a stripped-down and refined approach for fall 2010. The King of Minimalism, Franciso Costa, brought us sculptured silhouettes that morphed into rounder shapes for Calvin Klein this season. Narciso stuck to his usual formula, producing clean yet cleverly executed dresses and jackets. While maintaining fuss-free, classic styling, Michael Kors kept things from looking uptight by baring a leg with a high slit in a skirt or showing some skin with an ultra-deep V-neck. Even the typically bold and sometimes overdeveloped Isaac Mizrahi toned it down and outfitted his women in lots of solid neutral-based colors, subtle prints and simple shapes.
Calvin Klein (left), Michael Kors (right)
Photos: Firstview
Bryant Park has served as the venue for New York Fashion Week since IMG Fashion Sr. V.P. Fern Mallis put it there back in 1993. While it’s sad to say good-bye, we are moving forward—and according to IMG Fashion, the space at Lincoln Center offers 25 percent more square footage than Bryant Park.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
UK is OK
Jonathan Saunders Fall 2010 Collection - London Fashion Week
He is the King of Color Block and the Prince of Print. Scottish born designer, Jonathan Saunders, studied textile printing in Glasgow and went on to earn his MA at London’s Central Saint Martin's. He was honored with the Lancome Colour Award in 2002 (upon graduating), the Fashion Enterprise Award in ’06 and was named the Designer of the Year 2007 by Elle Style Awards.
Jonathan Saunders Fall 2009
Jonathan Saunders - Spring 2009 (left), Fall 2007 (right)
When Topshop opened in SoHo last April, I heard that Saunders had collaborated with them and I battled the crowds to snag an item or two. Sadly, I didn’t purchase anything. The product for Topshop was a far cry from the real deal that I saw in Harrods. It certainly wasn’t Saunders' fault -- the price points and quality of Topshop were to blame. I have yet to see any of his merchandise for Target because I don’t want to be disappointed again. Hey, at least I don’t repeat the same mistakes twice!
Jonathan Saunders - Spring 2008 (left), Fall 2008 (right)
I’ve been following the talented designer since his Spring 2005 collection caught my eye. Suanders has showed mainly in London, but crossed the Atlantic to show in New York for Spring and Fall 2009. I was excited to see him this season, but when I couldn’t find him anywhere on the calendar I got in touch with his “people” and they let me know that Saunders would be back in London for Fall 2010. Oh well. The good news is that the collection will be heading over to the U.S. in April along with some other British labels. I’m looking forward to seeing it in person at that time.
Jonathan Saunders - Spring 2005
Saunders is also the Creative Director for the Italian label Pollini – taking over in 2008 for Rifat Ozbek (I loved him in the Eighties!). Pollini’s Fall 2010 line will be shown in Milan during Fashion Week which just got underway today. Photo Credits: Firstivew (Style.com)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)