WWD Announces FGI's Rising Star Finalists!

Guess what, taffetadarlings?  I am happy to report that I am a finalist in the women's ready-to-wear category for the Fashion Group International's, 2012 Rising Star Awards!  I am so excited!  I know that many of you have all followed my progress over the last eighteen months and it seems like just yesterday that I launched my debut collection for Spring 2011.  Time flies when you're crazy busy having fun!

clipping from WWD

The winners (in seven different categories) will be announced on January 26th and I'm keeping my fingers crossed not only for myself, but for my girl, WendyB, who is a finalist (second year in a row!!!) in the fine jewelry category.  Read Wendy's post here.
 

Wendy Brandes holding Henry in a tweed and leather STACY LOMMAN dress

This wonderful news couldn't come at a better time since I am working on a new collection for Fall 2012.  Talk about motivation!!  And I've just started a new campaign on Kickstarter, so if you want to help an up-and-coming designer, please click the link and see what I'm up to this season.

Case In Point

So, here we are just five days before my Kickstarter run finishes up and the entire Eastern U.S. is bracing itself for Hurricane Irene.  This is the perfect weekend for me to "hunker down" and make some progress on my "Biohazard" samples for my spring 2012 line (so long as I don't lose power).  Let me just reiterate the basis of the collection...

The concept behind the collection stems from the chaos happening in the world, from the economy to all of the natural disasters that have recently occurred (and will continue to do so). The need to start dressing for protection is inevitable and our wardrobes will have to be fashionable AND functional -- think “chic hazmat” gear!

Scary, huh?  It's almost like I willed this hurricane to happen (but I would never do that!).  So, get in on the action while you can and get involved.  Only five days left to sponsor me and even though I have met the fundraising goal, there are always so many extra expenses to account for and, of course, you get your name in the program.  Any amount is helpful and I'm extremely grateful for each and every person who contributes!!!!!

The auction for one of my spring pieces is still on and the current bid is $650.  If you would like to own a custom-fit piece (of your choice) from my "Biohazard" Collection, contact me through this blog or through Kickstarter and give me your bid.  Stay safe taffetadarlings!

super light-weight neoprene and water repellent nylon dress

just one of the styles to choose from!

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!

13!!

To the superstitious, it's a number that represents bad luck.  Not me!  Thirteen reminds me of the age I was finally allowed to get my ears pierced (which was the only thing that distinguished me from a boy at the time!).  Also, thirteen was actually the date of my first runway show, so I consider it to be a very good number.  That said, there are only thirteen more days to contribute to my new collection for Spring 2012.  Most of you know the collection is titled "Biohazard" and I'm so anxious to make it happen!  Right now, I'm 75% funded so I really need to make a huge push for that last 25%.  With the Kickstarter funding, it's all or nothing and I simply cannot come up short, so spread the word and help if you can.  Thank you!!

...and if you think I'm kidding about the boy thing, just ask my 13 yr. old self!  LOL

It Could Be Your Lucky Day!!

Hello gorgeous!

This little number from my fall 2011 "French Resistance" collection has been quite popular.  So, I decided to offer two of these in neoprene to my Kickstarter supporters who sponsored $500 toward my spring 2012 "Biohazard" collection.  They were scooped up so quickly, I thought I had better add ONE MORE!

If you love this style and you love me and want to support the collection, you can have this chic, little motorcycle jacket in a light weight, supple neoprene... custom fit for you!  I'm only offering ONE, so if you want it, get it now!  Time is running out, the Kickstarter funraising ends soon.

If this tough, sexy jacket is a too rich for your blood, you can still get some really cool prizes for donating to my project.  Any amount is helpful and always appreciated.  It's getting close to the end and I still need to raise quite a bit of captial to cover the show costs.  And with Kickstarter, it's "all or nothing," so if I come up even one dollar short, the project ends with a big zero.  That's just not acceptable, so let's make this spring line happen!

Thanks to all of my taffetadarlings!

Lookin' On The Bright Side

I've been a busy bee, hard at work on my spring samples.  I'm moving forward so that I can stay on track with the timing of the collection though I'm still holding my breath that my Kickstarter crusade is successful.  I'm 57% there, but if I don't meet the goal 100%, then my fundraising efforts will go unfulfilled and my spring show will not come to pass.  But, I'm staying positive, crossing my fingers (and toes) and I'm looking on the bright side!

Speaking of bright, check out some of the qualities I'm using for my "Biohazard" collection!  I love these techno textiles and they happen to look fantastic in acid brights.  If you're anxious to see what I create with these fabrics, please make a small contribution to my spring show/collection by clicking on this link.  Any amount is helpful and certainly appreciated.  And pass it along... tell your co-workers, family, friends, dog walker, dry cleaner, butcher, mailman (oops, mail carrier is more PC)!

Don't You Want Me?

Hey Taffetadarlings!  I've been working on my Spring 2012 "Biohazard" samples, but I still need to raise some capital for the project.  Please share my Kickstarter page with your friends and family and help me to meet my goal!  I'm half way there, but I have to keep the momentum going.  Check out some of the great little gift items you can receive if you support my collection...

hard sunglass case with zip closure and logo print

canvas messenger bag with logo printing

rubber wristbands debossed with "BE FASHIONABLE SUPPORT AMERICAN DESIGN"

Come on, how cool are these items?  I know you want them!

Make It Work!

Being a diligent designer, I'm doing my very best to take Tim Gunn's advice!  But, I'm trying to make it work MY way -- the only way I know how.  I'm back on the genius site, Kickstarter, to fund my latest collection.  It was just one year ago that I first dipped my toes into the crowdsourcing pool on the advice of one of my biggest supporters, Wendy Brandes.  I was thrilled at the response I received and even more thrilled that I raised the money to put on my first runway show. 

Tim must be obeyed

Most of you know the story and most of you sponsored me.  Thanks!  It's been an amazing feeling to finally be designing my own collection rather than someone elses.  That's been my goal since I was a young girl, so I don't see any reason to turn back now.  I've made quite a bit of progress over the last year (WWD, Huffington Post, LIFE, Dstripped Mag, DFR) and I sincerely believe my big break is coming!  It takes time.  Rome wasn't built in a day, as they say.  I'm still working on getting my foot in the door with a store that is willing to buy more than one or two pieces of a style.  Persistence is key.  In order to be persistent, I need to be relevant which means, I need to consistently show collections.  Season after season.  You need to be in it to win it, so to speak.

my sketch in WWD - September 15, 2011

So, until I find a backer (I love when people suggest that to me like it's something that never occurred to me -- I'd much rather somebody could give me a name and a number!) or until I get a big order from Neiman's (Ken Downing, I love you!), I'm going to need to find other ways to finance my shows/collections.  Another one of my favorite suggestions that I get all the time is, "Why don't you get a celebrity to wear one of your pieces?"  To which I respond, "GREAT idea!  Do you know any?"  Then, there is usually an awkward pause.

Kim... you're my girl!  Let me dress you!

Anyway, I guess you can say I'm a little naive in that I still believe that people can become successful based on talent, hard work and sticking around long enough.  Well, you need to take all that, add being in the right place at the right time and sprinkle in a little luck!  That's the recipe.  So, you guys are my luck.  Help me make it happen!  Sponsor my Spring 2012 line (click this link or the widget)... any amount is appreciated and every little bit helps.  Spread the word!

Let's let Tim know that we "made it work!!"

An Ending And A Beginning

Today marks the end of my fundraising efforts on the Kickstarter website.  As most of you know, I did, in fact, meet my goal and therefore the project will be financed.  Yay!  Again, thank you to everyone who contributed.

While one project is ending, another is just beginning.  The funds have been raised and I am now able to move on to "phase II."  I'm anxious to get going with my Fall 2011 Collection!  This time, the theme is the French Resistance.  That's all I'm giving away!  My sponsors on Kickstarter will be privy to behind the scenes updates, but you will all have to be patient and wait to see the final product.

Let's make a great collection!



Traveling

So, I've been traveling quite a bit lately.  Unfortunately, I'm not physically going anywhere, but fortunately, I'm visiting lots of different places in cyberspace.  A few very fashionable bloggers have either mentioned me or featured me in one of their recent posts.  They've all been kind enough to not only talk about my Fall 2011 Collection, but they've also donated toward the project.  The camaraderie in the blogosphere is inspiring.

Sponsor and author of the blog Fabulous Finds, Elena, dedicated an entire post to me! (click here to read)

Cameron, of Midnight In A Perfect World, not only anted up, but mentioned me more than once -- and in both French and English! (click here and here)

Bon Bon Rose Girls' super mom, Kristin, put her money where her mouth is and she also pitched me in a post.  (click here to read)

Other beautiful bloggers who made contributions include: Jewelry genius Wendy Brandes; IFB founder, Jennine; fellow seamstress, Kristin of K-Line; chic chef, Tina of The Occasional Cook; Fashion savvy Tricia, of Fashion Herald; beauty editor, Candice Sabatini  and generous Elizabeth, retired author of Observation Mode.  They have also been tremendous tweetleaders on my behalf!  Rah Rah.

I also happened upon a tres cool blog called District L which posted a piece to lend their support because there is "nothing chic about being stingy bastards" (to quote them directly)!  LOVE.

And finally, sweet Samantha, author of Fashion: The Life, The Myth, The Legend emailed me to ask if she could do an interview with me.  Of course!

In closing, I want to say "Thank you" to everyone (bloggers and non-bloggers alike) who is supporting me in any way!  I have just ONE WEEK to go on Kickstarter and only $200 left until I meet my goal.  Pass the word!
xoxo

Fashion Forward

It's that time again.  Fashion never sleeps and never stops moving forward, changing, evolving and reinventing.  It seems like just yesterday that I was working on my debut collection for Spring 2011 and just when I've started to catch up with things, another season is right around the corner.  For a while now, I had an idea of the direction I wanted to take the new collection, but I haven't fully put it into motion yet.  As you may have guessed, lack of funds are to blame.  All businesses go through growing pains and it takes time to get over that "hump" to enter the land of financial stability.

Spring 2011

Last season, I used a site called Kickstarter as a vehicle to raise money to cover the expenses for my premiere collection.  Fabulously fashionable sponsors (you know who you are!!) came to my support and through their generous donations I was able to pay for fabric, models, hair & make-up, a photographer, videographer, professional lighting and PR.  Holy cow! 

Spring 2011

What a great experience!  For those of you who frequent this blog, you know that I received a fair amount of press and the show was a success.  I'm dying to do it again.  As a new designer on the scene (under my own label), I need to prove my staying power as well as establish my design aesthetic.  In order to do that, I need to show more than one season.  I have a lot more to offer than just pretty evening dresses, though I do love them so!

Spring 2011

Now, I'm back on Kickstarter looking for new sponsors for my Fall 2011 Collection.  Think of it as contributing to a worthy cause -- a fashionable cause.  If I am able to dress the world, we could put the fashion police out of business!  If only! 

Spring 2011

Should you like to make a donation, you can click on the link/icon on the upper right or the link below.
New Kickstarter Project

Have a fashionable day!

No Lights, No Camera, No Action!

I'm so happy to announce that all twelve dresses in my Spring 2011 collection have been sponsored!  How exciting!  The presentation is just around the corner and I'm doing everything I can to bring it together and to make it the best it can possibly be. 

details from the "Emilia" dress

photo: Stacy Lomman

As most of you know, this production has been almost entirely funded through a website called Kickstarter (I did have two dress sponsors jump on the idea so quickly that I was still set up with Pay Pal at the time).  Kickstarter kicked me hard right out of the gate, but after the intital buzz and excitement, the funding has slowed (although donations are trickling in little by little).

some of my insanely expensive fabrics (but gorg-e-ous!) that you all helped me to purchase!

photo: Jennine Tamm

While I have well surpassed my original goal of $6000, I had no idea how quickly costs would accumulate!  It's my first time people!  Things are going pretty smoothly, but I've certainly hit a few bumps in the road.  Actually, I hit one giant speed bump!  Lighting!  Who knew it would cost so much?  Not me, obviously.  It only makes sense that good lighting is the key to a good presentation.  Bad lighting or no (professional) lighting at all will not allow the beautiful dresses to be seen... I mean REALLY seen.  Details, fabric, texture, color... it's all so important.  Not only that, but the highly skilled photographer that I was lucky enough to book cannot create miracles with his camera.  Poor lighting = poor photos. 

my tools

photo: JennineTamm

So, please help me to annoy as many of your friends as possible and coerce them into contributing to my collection on Kickstarter!

thanking all of you!

photo: Jennine Tamm

I can't say enough times how incredibly grateful and touched I am by the outpouring of support!  OK... back to work!

Alive and Kicking!

Hello my taffetadarlings!  Good news... I am 112% funded for my upcoming presentation during NY Fashion Week in September!  THANK YOU to everyone who is rooting for me, supporting me and sponsoring me. It's not too late to get involved if you want to contribute.  Kickstarter will keep accepting donations until the scheduled end date, September 8th.  I am trying to make it to 200% -- what do you think, can I do it?  I was very conservative when I gave Kickstarter my goal because if the project falls short in the end, it gets ZERO, NADA, ZILCH.  Big fat goose egg!  Well, I can breath a bit easier knowing that the project will, in fact, be funded (screaming with joy inside!), I still have a ton of work to do!  I'd better get going...

STACY LOMMAN : NEW YORK Spring 2011 Collection is "Alive and Kicking"