David Peck’s very clever appearance of his staff wearing MADE HERE jackets as they escorted his runway models in the finale…..says it all!
Three of Houston’s Own…two that have continuously made our town beam with pride owned their night at Fashion Houston and a third, that is on his way!
David Peck, Choe Dao and Amir Taghi
I have showcased much of the talent that graced our runways for Fashion Houston last week, from designers worldwide, but nothing made the crowds cheer more or gave us our Houston Proud (remember that?!) moment than when we had sprinkled throughout the week, our local talent. Some of our best hometown talent that have brought recognition to Houston for themselves and our city carried their own, and the crowd responded with appreciation for what they have done for our city. That is why I simply say…..I’ve left the best for last!
David Peck
David Peck, of David Peck USA/Crop by David Peck, is Houston-based but nationally known for his own collection, made here in Houston at his Kirby Drive Studio. However, he also bring to life through his manufacturing arm, the designs of other local artists such as Amir Taghi, Jonathan Blake, and others. His show on Night 3 of Fashion Houston took a very non-traditional turn and showed the audience the many facets of his fashion business in one presentation. He began by showcasing the best of his Fall ‘13 collection, which many of us have seen but certainly didn’t mind the reminder, as a buy-now approach to the runway. He then gave us a tasting of his made-to-order Bridal collections which were lovely as models sprinkled rosebuds along the runway. However, his grandest moment after showing us just a sampling of Spring, shown below, was when he filled the runway with his entire team, escorting models down the runway and wearing white lab coats that said MADE HERE to drive home the impact of local, domestic manufacturing and social responsibility. (Following the photos is the link to his video, take a minute to watch it and you’ll get what he’s all about and what he and other local designers, with his assistance, are contributing to our city!) The crowd was in awe as they rose to their feet and showed their appreciation and support….it made for quite a memorable evening!
The finale that said it all for David Peck…the premeire of his Bridal collection and the recognition for his staff of the people behind the scenes that make it happen and were proud to wear the white lab coats that said so boldly….MADE HERE!
The MADE HERE film outlines David Peck USA’s commitment to socially responsible manufacturing practices and showcases their 6,000 square foot atelier and factory. Watch it HERE.
Chloe Dao
Chloe Dao, who we all know in Houston for her Project Runway win in Season Two has maintained a very lucrative fashion business both in Houston and across the country and even expanding to her native, Viet Nam. Chloe, whose sincere charm and caring way has always made her an adored and staple talent in our community. For the coming Spring 2014 collection she took a colorful and somewhat youthful approach to her designs. Though, speaking as someone who knows, much of her styling is ageless and works for all ages and all body types and not by accident, she plans it that way. She has always been great with color and mixes patterns in a very fresh, cheerful way that is a shout out of Spring/Summer wear for all. She, like most of the Spring runway shows I saw at NYFashion Week, showed a fair amount of slits and cropped tops, that she carefully teamed with appropriate bottoms. Her designs show great style for day as well as a strong dash of dress-up for evening wear. Chloe’s designs can be found on her site,chloedao.com or in her Rice Village boutique, Dao Chloe Dao, on Kirby…..where affordable luxury is her specialty.
Amir Taghi
Amir Tagi, the 17 year old Episcopal High School Junior showcased his newest and largest collection on the runway of Fashion Houston for his first catwalk viewing of what is his third collection. This young couturier began his love of fashion at the age of 5, was designing and making garments for his family in his adolescent years and has just continued to progress to live his dream and perfect his craft with each collection. He was fortunate to have interned with Oscar de la Renta this summer of 2013 and has great aspirations to complete his studies of fashion by attending one of the many famous fashion design schools upon his high school graduation. Coming from a large, tight-knit and supportive Persian family, his fan base of family and adoring high school friends are present at each presentation as his cheer base but his followers are continuing to grow as more and more Houstonians find another reason to feel pride for the creativity of this city! His Spring/Summer 2014 collection is inspired by the classic and elegant look of the 1950’s, juxtaposed with the essence of Japanese Samurai. Says Amir, “ this season I focused on creating a classic and elegant woman, but with a twist that brought a modern touch to the silhouette.” His colors are dominated by the blue family….from soft blue to rich midnight. He also has select pieces in my favorite color of the coming Spring season, Blush, which he calls a soft mauve…….the runways were filled with it. Taghi is right on track in making it his own! Visit his website, amirtaghi.com for more details and also available through Tootsies.
Photos courtesy of Fashion Houston