When designer David Peck opened the doors to his new flagship store and factory Tuesday evening, the beneficiary might have been Recipe for Success, but the buzz was all about the chic industrial space in Montrose and the fab clothing on display.
The fashionistas swarmed through, applauding the fall frocks and separates that filled the racks. Recipe for Success' Dress for Dinner co-chair Laura Max Nelson wore the latest David Peck design and had nine pieces on her wish list, while Carrie Colbert had her eye on the frisky faux fur vests and tops. Kim Padgett, also wearing CrOp by David Peck, worked the 1,800 sq.ft. retail space touting Peck's designs.
And what does a successful designer wear on the opening night of his first flagship? A Hamilton shirt, Gap jeans and Reef shoes.
In addition to the clothing, guests swooned over the dramatic paper floral decor created for the flagship by designer Khrystyna Balushka, who was on hand to bask in the praise.
"For us, it's a great opportunity to really connect to our customers better and more directly," Peck said amid the crush of sewing machines and bolts of fabric in the factory which sits behind the boutique. "To be so centrally located and not only to have an event this large but also have a manufacturing facility this large" is a dream. As is the landlord, Peck adds, the popular Henry Richardson, owner of DEFINE body & mind.
With the new digs comes a new look for designer Peck. His hair is now close-cropped on the sides and curly blonde on top. "I used to change my hair all the time and play with it," he laughed, adding "I thought I had grown up and wasn't going to do that anymore, but apparently not."
And what does a successful designer wear on the opening night of his first flagship? A Hamilton shirt, Gap jeans and Reef shoes.
Joining the fashion fray was Leisa Holland-Nelson, who co-chairs the 2014-2015 Dress for Dinner series with her daughter, Laura Max. Beyond shopping there were complimentary hair and makeup services from Craft Salon & Style Bar. To fuel the shopping enthusiasm, Railean Distillery provided cocktails and Dig & Serve dished up the party bites.
Among the 200-plus swooping in to reserve tickets for the Dress for Dinner season and pick up a few Peck designs were Kiki Wilson, Bobbie Nau, Rania Mankarious, Roz Pactor, Kelley Lubanko, Joan Pillow, Vicki Rizzo, Jared Lang, Ileana Trevino, Frann Lichtenstein, Jackie Fair and Yvonne Cormier.
Mauri Oliver, from left, Clifford Pugh and Vicki Rizzo.
