Muted Majesty
If you're looking for uber-trendy gear, Roam isn't the label for you. Sophisticated and self-assured, it doesn't deal in "what's hot."
But if you're gaga for minimalist luxury brands in the vein of Akris and Ports 1961 (two labels that excel in evoking low-key glamour) Roam's quietly stylish, pragmatic aesthetics might be just up your alley.
The L.A.-based collection, designed by Meghan Fielding — who has designed yoga-cum-casual-wear collection OmGirl since 1999 — hits plenty of sweet spots.
First off, it's super-wearable. From the line's muted color palette and packable fabrics, to its clean-lined silhouettes and awesome price points ($60 to $220), these are designs built for an action-packed SoCal life (a fact that was recognized by the savvy buyers at Ron Herman early on).
We recently caught up with Topanga Canyon denizen to talk about how Roam came to be, and why it's already garnering major accolades.
CHIC SIMPLICITY: A breezy look rendered in Japanese cotton from Roam's Summer 2010 collection.
Style Section L.A.: Tell me a little about your background.
Meghan Fielding: I moved to New York City when I was 17 and lived there for 11 years, then went to Santa Fe and lived out a childhood dream as a cowgirl. I grew up outside of Detroit as a little girl and was horse-obsessed. When I was 28, I had an opportunity to work at a horse ranch in Santa Fe. I spent a couple of years there riding and training. I hurt my back and met this girl in a grocery store who said, 'You should move to Santa Monica California and study yoga at Yoga Works with [teacher] Jasmine Lee.' I followed her advice and got a job at Yogaworks.
I started OmGirl there; it was a t-shirt line at first. At the time, there was no such thing as yoga clothes. I was an artists and was constantly doodling and making oms and lotuses. I had always toured with the Grateful Dead and made t-shirts to sell. I’ve had no training at all in fashion design. I taught myself.
How did Roam get going?
I did OmGirl for 11 years, and I’ve moved on to a different stage in my life. I'm in my 40s [44 ] and I'm not doing yoga everyday — I’m raising my kids, I'm traveling. My life had changed and I wanted to reflect that change.
The original concept was to create a little collection that woud pack easily and effortlessly and not require a lot of care. We fantastized about our week in Greece. You need something to go to lunch in, something to roam the farmer’s market. All these elements that would satisfy a few days away. I was intrigued by that notion. I had two little babies and I couldn’t go anywhere.
I try to design things that you can wear with heels and flats and sneakers. That’s who I am. I’m not a super girly-girl, but I like to turn it on. I try to be a super-duper mommy multitasker in my home and my clothes.
HAMMER TIME: A printed silk tank and harem pants from Roam's Summer 2010 collection.
What inspires the collection?
For me it starts with fabric. I’m obsessed with Japanese textiles. They are so beautiful, so beautilfy made. The Japanese just have such an earthy point of view. My model Danica is also a huge source of inspiration. She’s such a beautiful girl. When I was casting for Roam, I had a difficult time. I really wanted someone who traveled. She’s Australian, she loves to cook, she’s got a great sense of style. She’s been a muse of mine. I also scour the runways for inspiration.
Who are your favorite designers?
Marni and Dries van Noten — I'm a huge fan. I love Helmut Lang. I love Chloe, too. It’s my girly side.
You proudly manufactured in a sweatshop-free L.A. facility. Why is that important to you?
I started OmGirl, I didn’t know anything. I found a sewing factory in Northridge, and they opened their arms to me. There were probably 250 sewers there. It was clear to me how important it is to support a community. And the thought of doing soemthing where I can’t feel it or touch it scared me. To know my zipper girl and the button-hole girl...that's very important to me.
Roam is available in SoCal at Ron Herman, LuLu’s in Manhattan Beach and Anouk in Malibu.