Houston Fashion Gossip

Rumors of his demise are greatly exaggerated, ace Houston designer says

David Peck uniforms for JW Marriott employees

David Peck designed the uniforms for employees at the new JW Marriott Houston Downtown hotel in 2014.

Houston designer David Peck can identify with classic American humorist Mark Twain in one respect: He asserts the rumors of his demise are greatly exaggerated.

Social media and fashion circles were buzzing Sunday after Brandon Gregoire, director of finance and operations at David Peck, announced on his Facebook page that "we will be closing our doors and I will be moving to something new."

While the David Peck USA website is on longer operational and Peck's Montrose studio is temporarily shuttered for maintenance, the designer says that the business is in a transition period and he will announce "exciting new plans" next month.

"I'm making a lot of changes that I will be very excited to announce as soon as I can. In the meantime everything is on hold," Peck tells CultureMap. "I'm definitely not going away, I can tell you that."

(UPDATE 10/05: CultureMap has learned that Peck filed for bankruptcy on September 26. His business has more than $1.7 million in debts and $97,000 in assets, according to court documents. Peck said that he can't comment on the bankruptcy for legal reasons. "But nothing that I said (for this article) has changed," he said.)

Peck, who was named to the Houston Press List of 100 Creatives in 2012, has been a tireless advocate for the city's fledgling fashion scene since moving to the Bayou City in 2010. He has appeared at fashion week activities in Houston and other cities, designs for several of the city's leading social figures and created the uniforms for employees at the JW Marriott Houston Dowtown Hotel, which opened last year.

He also turned a 6,000-square-foot former antiques emporium into an impressive manufacturing headquarters and showroom, which he moved into last year.

Peck said he has communicated with his customers and will fulfill all current obligations. "We are not leaving anyone high and dry," he says. "I'm not trying to hide from anyone. I'm still working hard and working on what's next. I want to announce my plans when I am ready, not when a lot of people think I should. I'm really excited about the future."

"Like any business you go through crossroads. In order to take it to the next level, I have to make changes. I can say with 100 percent certainty that I'm not leaving Houston. Houston is home. I feel really strongly about the power of Houston and what the city can achieve."

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A Clear Choice

Texas handbag brand Consuela debuts clear collection for stadium use

Photo courtesy of Consuela

These bags fashionably comply with stadium rules.

Transparency is key for this new stadium-friendly product line by Austin handbag brand Consuela. The new line recreates the brand's top-selling silhouettes in a clear material that makes them easy to carry at venues with long security lines.

This is the first time Consuela has produced clear bags, press materials say.

It's certainly possible to pack any small bag and spend a minute on a security check at the gate, but if attendees want to carry more, sometimes venues require a clear bag; at Reliant Stadium, for example, a non-see-through bag can only be four-and-a-half inches by six-and-a-half inches or smaller.

Conseula clear bags You don't have to put bags in the "tool bag" silhouette.Photo courtesy of Consuela

Each clear Consuela bag has a bit of personality thanks to a printed, opaque strip of material across the top and a colorful strap that's interchangeable for different carrying styles: wearing the bag crossbody, on the shoulder, or as a clutch. Leather accents also elevate each piece, which contains interior pockets, a credit card holder, and a removable piece that gives the base structure or, when it's removed, allows the bag to collapse.

With three shapes and three patterns or colorways, there are nine distinct bags in the collection. The largest style is 11 inches by nine and a quarter inches, with a three-inch depth. Two smaller styles are more clutch-sized. The top material can show off a colorful paisley-like design, leopard print, or an understated cream leather to match the rest of the trim.

Conseula clear bags Grouping items in smaller cases can make a clear bag look neater.Photo courtesy of Consuela

The new collection ($125-235) is available now at consuelastyle.com. Shoppers can also check the bags out in person at Consuela's Katy store at 23501 Cinco Ranch Boulevard. Other retailers selling Consuela bags can be found through the brand's store locator.

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A Clear Choice

Texas handbag brand Consuela debuts clear collection for stadium use