With an attractive new studio to showcase his designs, David Peck debuted his spring collection for some of this best clients at a luncheon that featured a locally-grown lunch, classic pop tunes and a runway featuring bright colors, light and breezy fabrics designed for the normally warm Houston climate and such sensible details as pockets.
"We had so many big shows in the fall," Peck said referring to full-scale presentations at Fashion Houston and at the JW Marriott Houston Downtown, "that we really kind of wanted to do something intimate and showcase the space because we're really excited about what it's transformed to."
"The creative industry in Houston is larger than the medical industry, which is crazy when you think about it. It bodes well for Houston's future."
Peck created a catwalk along the concrete floor that runs the length of his Montrose studio, while about 50 guests, sitting at a long table, dined on a salad largely homegrown at the Mandell Community Garden and roasted chicken, pasta and vegetables from such locally sourced vendors as Tavola Artisan Pasta, Tejas Tropical Meats & Poultry and Atkinson Farms while DJ Little Martin spun tunes from classic shows like Gossip Girl and reinterpretations of current hits.
The lunch was catered by David Peck chief financial officer Brandon Gregoire and chef German Mosquera, who have teamed together to form a catering service called Dig & Serve featuring locally sourced food.
Peck's fashions are just as homegrown, as they are all produced in a factory next to the studio. His team has come up with the hashtag #madeHERE to tout the H-Town connection.
"I feel like Houston is really exciting right now. I keep repeating that over and over. There are so many different groups doing different things and people being very entrepreneurial in the creative industries. It's really cool," Peck said.
"Obviously everyone is really concerned about what will happen to the economy, but the creative industry in Houston is larger than the medical industry, which is crazy when you think about it. It bodes well for Houston's future that we have such a vibrant industry that's only growing in visibility. I can see where it will take us."
Spring collection
In the fashion show, Peck featured 56 looks, ranging from tailored sheath dresses in colorblock patterns that perennially sell well to a kicky new fiesta print inspired by an old tin that his grandmother had found in Mexico.
"It's really easy and fun and not too serious," Peck says about the collection. "Spring is that opportunity to just be happy."
Most looks were accessorized with Christina Greene jewelry and cutting-edge eyewear from The Eye Gallery, a next-door neighbor.
Peck knows his Houston customer wants to feel as good as she looks in our often variable climate, so he features fabrics such as 4-ply crepe and ponte knits that travel well and move with the body, includes elastic waistbands in some skirts so "if you eat a little too much, that's OK," and easy silhouettes that work in hot weather.
"It's really easy and fun and not too serious," Peck says about the collection. "Spring is that opportunity to just be happy."
Peck is already working on his fall collection and he says it's influenced a big moment in this life — his wife Michelle is due to give birth to their baby next month.
"The fall collection is all about new beginnings and birth, a little astronomy, it's very much inspired by having a baby," he said. "I feel like we've given birth to the space, too. It's just been an era of new beginnings."
David Peck poses with models in his colorful designs.
Celebrity Leslie Bibb is a fan of the Houston-based brand 11 Juillet. Photo courtesy of 11 Juillet
