Stacy Rodriguez is never one who thinks of wearing her heart on her sleeve. On hers, she wears her freedom.
With collections influenced from nuggets of history, you can’t expect less than strong inspirations that translate to equally high-impact fashion. She also believes that bringing together polar opposites brings out self-expression. Be it short skirts and maxis, street and runway, or santa and santita, crazily contradictory schemes are what creates Stacy’s eclectic mix of fun fashion.—DALLAS DEEPKISS
Why the name GLASNOST?
Stacy: It’s rooted from my obsession with Russian history. When I studied about Mikhail Gorbachev’s policies during socialist Russia, he was most known for his movements called Glasnost & Perestroika. Glasnost specifically was a campaign for transparency (funny because Glasnost has been so associated with sheer fabric) and openness in the government and its activities to get rid of corruption and abuse of power. Some believed it to be responsible for the fall of communism in Russia. I’ve always loved the concept of a simple word creating so much change for a country and ultimately brought so much freedom for its people. And when I learned about this, I promised myself to name an endeavor after it. And it all followed from there and until today, the word ‘Glasnost’, encapsulates my ideas as a designer.
What’s your design style like?
S: I think have two polarizing aesthetics. During the “fall” season I usually go for a more dark, sexy, and urban mood and for “spring/summer” it gets a little more bohemian and fun. But I think, since I started all this by making garments for friends, it will always be about my girls. So I guess the brand grows with us. I will always be a mix of edge, freedom, and individuality always keeping in mind relevance.
Who is your dream Barbie doll?
S: Ok fine, let’s dream big. Dressing sisters is always exciting – how fun would it be to dress Lou Doillon and Charlotte Gainsbourg? And I’ve always liked the idea of working with creatives – just imagining having someone like Sofia Coppolla would be crazy – i’d probably pee in my pants (as if it would even ever happen).
Someone I can have a creative conversation with. With clients like that, you won’t even need too much inspiration, they will be the inspiration.
What gets you inspired?
S: Travel. Completely immersing myself in different cultures and way of life gives birth to so much inspiration. Learning about how they live, you instantly learn so much about clothing.
My favorite brands and designers always inspire me too. Prada, Dries Van Noten, Proenza Schouler, Ann Demeulemeester, Akris, Phoebe Philo, to name a few. But always the most interesting part is how runway trends hit stores like Zara, Topshop, etc. and then reaching a wider market – that’s when it gets very inspiring. Because you’ll start seeing how different girls wear it.
Above all, though, as I mentioned earlier, it’s always going to be about my girls. That’s what makes all of this so fun. Never feels like work that way.
Which piece from your collection sums you up?
S: Maybe it would be the acid washed dress called the YourEvilTwin multi-way. It completely encapsulates the brand – it uses the acid wash technique that the brand has become known for, its versatility embraces the brand’s vision of encouraging women to find a style that fits their personality, and its unconventional design and pattern shows how I like to break rules as a designer – this way i’m able to create unique shapes and silhouettes. You see, I’ve never had formal fashion training but I’d like to think that my limitations push me to think outside the box—always trying to offer something special every time.
