This was the last of the six collections we saw at NYMD, & it was an unexpected delight. We say this as we went in with no preconceptions. What greeted us was a living tableau of models that resembled university students hanging out in Boston Commons during winter break. The show notes said that founders Jack Milkes & Ben Stedman were striving to create “a unisex label inspired by traditional, preppy menswear”, but with the intent of modernizing it. And modernize it they did.
Traditional preppy fabric staples such as tweed, camel hair, corduroy, checks & seersucker were all there. These are the colors & fabrics we couldn’t get enough of in the Eighties while growing up in Connecticut. That said, we’ll be the first to admit that preppy style can be borderline stodgy at times. If you love the preppy look but realize you need a bit of an update, look no further; Peak Lapel has successfully given these staples a fresh modern twist.
The essential Brown Orvis barn jacket was reinterpreted in a softer silhouette with the sleeves rolled up to show a check lining that matched the loose-fitting trousers it was paired with. Fashion Rising Talents Recruiter, Nicole Fischelis, told us that the designers were only 20 years old, which made this first showing even more impressive, no question. We hope that this label will go into production & that we get to see how this duo’s work evolves in the coming seasons.
For the balance of the week, Peak Lapel was on our minds & we discussed it with several others as NYFW unfolded & all agreed: This was THE collection that stood out for the week!
-Vivian Kelly ( @thefashionhistorian )
Designer Website: www.peaklapelnyc.com
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