In the heart of New York’s garment district in the same building on 39th Street, two of the city’s most exciting young talents have been busy putting together the collections that they unveiled on Sunday. And, what a great showing for both Peter Som and Phillip Lim, who both delivered what their many fans were expecting…and more.

Peter, of course, has just sold a significant stake of his business to retail private equity house NRDC and has been confirmed as creative director of his alma mater house Bill Blass.

This was his finest collection yet and one of the strongest of the entire New York collections, having perfected that fine balance for his clients who move fluidly from uptown socialite events in the day to downtown parties at night. Tinsley Mortimer, the socialite of young socialites, was sitting right in front of me and was explaining to the media hordes why she integrates Peter Som into her wardrobe. He’s got his finger on the pulse of what these young women want and it was clear from all the excited whispering in the front row that this collection is going to sell like hotcakes.
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For his part, Phillip turned out a bold collection in a stunning setting at the New York Public Library, complete with a circular catwalk. The collection had a decidedly more edgy feel, appealing to the ‘classics with a twist’ style that his (male and female) followers love. Irina Lazareanu opened the show with a classic khaki trenchcoat paired with a new shape for shorts. Classic men’s coats came down (or rather, around) the runway in primary colours of red and yellow in shorter cuts. Also on show were Phillip’s collaboration with  Birkenstock, where he has taken a staple of granola style and made it urban and sophisticated.

Peter Som – Spring/Summer 2008

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