Zack Carr is a fashion powerhouse you’ve likely never heard of. The Texas-born fashion designer served as Calvin Klein’s creative director and “right hand” for nearly three decades, helping to craft the sophisticated, spare design aesthetic that Calvin became known for. Passionate about fashion throughout his lifetime, Carr worked and became friends with a slew of bold-faced names, from Isabella Rossellini and Christy Turlington to Anna Sui, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and renowned photographer Bruce Weber.

When he died in 2000 at age 55 of a rare blood disorder, he left…a lot of stuff. His fashion archive was stocked with letters, photos, memorabilia—and sketchbooks. Lots and lots of sketchbooks.

It was frightening to think…I mean—what do I DO with all this?” Zack’s brother George Carr asked himself.

George decided to donate much of the archive to Parson’s School of Design in Manhattan. In 2002 he published a book about his brother. And he’d hoped to mount some sort of exhibition, when a friend looked at the 50 Hermès sketchbooks and diaries, with page after page of sleekly drawn clothing, and stated flat out:

"You have a brand here. Call it Carr."

George Carr, a writer, actor and all-around entrepreneur, didn’t have to be told twice.

Hitting stores this month are two lines, each headed by George Carr, each inspired by the sketches of brother Zack.

Carr Collection, a chic and understated womenswear line reminiscent of Theory and—not surprisingly—Calvin, debuts at select Bloomingdale’s stores, while Carr Men launches at six Saks Fifth Avenue locations, including the Houston Galleria store, where George Carr will put in a personal appearance Thursday at 6 p.m. during Fashion’s Night Out.

"I believe our Carr team has completely translated the line as Zack would have wanted it—not for then but for now,” George Carr told Women’s Wear Daily.

The Carr team includes George Carr, serving as director for both lines, Dallas businessman Edward Jones III as chairman, and Scott Formby—who cut his teeth at Geoffrey Beene, J. Crew and Lucky Jeans—as designer.

The results for both lines are impressive, particularly the menswear, which manages to balance a clean, Calvin Klein-ish cut with tweedy Ralph Lauren-like romance—and the Carrs’ Texas heritage.

The independent spirit of the Texas Rangers and the great Southwest can be felt in the accessories, including pendants and belts with silver buckles in the shape of fences, branding irons and cow skulls—which the Carrs used to collect as kids.

Silversmith Clint Orms, of Ingram, Texas, oversees the metalwork. “Clint is a true artisan, a gentleman and gentle soul,” says George Carr.

He’s also a hometown pal. The Carr boys—including Zack and younger brothers George and Peter (who is not in the fashion industry)—grew up near Orms in Kerrville, in the hill country due west of Austin.

Even more important—Orms understood the Carr aesthetic, which is rich in Texas pride and southwest elements—but “no fringe, no embroidery,” George Carr states emphatically.

Prices are not exactly down-home fare—suits range from $1,195 to $1,695, blazers start at $795, trousers at $295, sweaters at $325 and shirts are priced $195 and up.

And what would brother Zack think of this new menswear line? After all, he never actually designed menswear. His sketchbooks are full of women’s clothing, and his own eponymous line—which lasted a few years in the 1980s—was a collection of women’s sportswear.

“I think he would look so handsome in it,” says George Carr, considering the Carr Men line, and what his brother’s take might be.

“Wow...never thought of that,” George Carr notes. “Actually, I think he would be thrilled.”