Never underestimate the power of social media. That’s the latest lesson designer David Peck learned while hunting for a new space to house his manufacturing and flagship boutique. His current location on Kirby was marked for demolition to make way for the new Kirby Collection and the clock was ticking.
Although Peck was working with a realtor on a deal, the process was becoming difficult, so he made a plea on Facebook.
“Anything can happen in this space. It’s really cool and it’s an extension of our “made here” philosophy that we’ve been trying to grow."
“My Realtor was lovely, but it was getting complicated so I reached out through social media. Leisa Holland Nelson connected me with Henry Richardson (owner of Define Body) who said he had the perfect spot for me. And he did,” Peck says. “It’s exactly what we wanted.”
What Peck wanted was a building to accommodate his expanding manufacturing hub, an event space and a full-fledged retail location. It’s a lot to ask of a space, especially when Peck needed to stay in the same general area as his Kirby location.
High ceilings, blank walls and a great location means the sky is the limit for Peck. The large two-story building at 2515 Morse St. was once owned by antiques specialist Cary Pasternak, whose Pasternak's Emporium was an 1980s Montrose fixture.
“Anything can happen in this space. It’s really cool and it’s an extension of our “made here” philosophy that we’ve been trying to grow,” Peck says.
In addition to his own collection, Peck currently manufactures seven lines including Jonathan Blake, Amir Taghi and Theresa Roemer’s new apparel line. The collection of easy-to-wear essentials in jersey and ponte knits is modeled after Roemer’s own busy lifestyle and Peck said the collection is universally flattering.
“It will sell really well. It’s well-cut with simple shapes in interesting neutrals. It’s really fun,” Peck says. Roemer will reveal her new collection Sept. 25 at the Fashion Woodlands event featuring shows by Blake, Taghi and Peck.
Fashion shows are one way Peck continues to extend his reach through Houston and beyond. He has been quietly collaborating with the new $80 million JW Marriott Houston Downtown on the staff uniforms and will soon reveal the designs.
While he maintains his focus on locally made apparel, Peck is also exploring a new direction, taking his wholesale business into full-fledged retail. The new building includes plenty of parking and shoppers will find everything from ready-to-wear to custom bridal.
“I look at this as a lifestyle brand and who better to connect and communicate our story to our customers than us? We can make a huge impact on our customers by assisting them ourselves,” Peck says.
He cites Tootsies as a store that gives customers a highly personalized experience, and says he is focused on the same high level of service.
Of course, wanting to open retail locations don’t just happen because you want it to, so Peck has worked with his advisory board to create a strategic business plan. Fundraising starts this fall and Peck is looking to open a second retail location in 2015, possibly in The Woodlands.
But first, he has a manufacturing factory and a flagship retail space to set up. Sustainable fashion empires don’t just build themselves, you know.
David Peck's new flagship location will be in a Montrose building that was once an antiques emporium.
