EcoSalon at NYFW: Crop by David Peck

The Fall/Winter 2012 presentation from Crop by David Peck featured versatile dresses, separates, and evening gowns inspired by the designer’s personal history. 

For his latest collection, designer David Peck went home, both metaphorically with his design inspiration and literally with his garment production.

The Fall/Winter 2012 presentation for Crop by David Peck, held at the LEED-certified Crosby Street Hotel,  featured designs inspired by the multiple layers and textures contained in his background and that of his wife. The idea struck during a visit to New York’s Lower East Side Tenement Museum, where the restored homes of former immigrants ignited an interest in the couple’s own history.The result is a very personal collection. Lightweight silks feature digitally-printed images depicting scenes from Peck’s life: blossoms in Paris, autumn leaves in Colorado, a boat on the New York harbor. Garment production takes place in the couple’s hometown of Houston, Texas, with textiles dyed in the United States and select fabrics imported from fair trade co-operatives in India. Peck also donates 10 percent of his profits to a cause associated with each new collection’s theme. This season, the chosen charity is Covenant House, an organization that provides shelter and support to homeless youth.

The collection itself is heavy on versatile separates, casual dresses, and cocktail shifts, which Peck explained could be layered between seasons and make the easy transition from day to night. There were also a few evening gowns thrown into the mix, each a romantic vision of digitally-printed, beautifully-draped silk habotai, organza, and chiffon.

“I want to elevate the perception of sustainability and show that you can still do higher level fashion while sticking to sustainable principles,” Peck said.

This selection of pieces from the presentation show that Peck can achieve just that.

Images: Jessica Marati

Jessica Marati

Jessica Marati currently resides in New York City and covers travel and sustainability for EcoSalon. Catch her weekly column, Behind the Label.