Peter Som - Fashion Career

Fashion Career

After Peter Som graduated from Parsons with a degree in Fashion Design, he worked under Bill Blass as Assistant Designer in 1998. While working with Blass, Som worked on his own line out of his apartment and came to finish a 15 piece collection. In 2000, hoping for exposure for his protégé, Bill Blass asked Peter Som to accept the CFDA’s Dean of American Fashion award in his place and later in 2001, Som became a CFDA member. He made his first debut at Bryant Park for his namesake collection in Spring 2001 . The collection was applauded by the public. Sudanese model, Alek Wek wore a jaw-dropping white Peter Som dress to the CFDA Awards where Allure interviewed her about the dress which was then later mentioned in the magazine. In 2003, Cathy Horyn, resident fashion critic at the New York Times, identified Peter as "one of the best young designers working today." One of his most recognized collections was his Spring 2007 collection. Vogue’s Anna Wintour described the collection to be “career-changing”. In response to Peter Som's Spring 2007 collection, Vogue's Andre Leon Talley wrote "it became emphatically clear that he has moved to the head of his generational class. Magna cum laude, in fact." From then on, Peter Som's line has been recognized by the public and has won several awards listed below under Awards and Nominations. Som has also made an impact among young celebrities and chic actresses including; Lucy Hale,Rachel McAdams, Amanda Peet, Claire Danes, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Eva Mendes, Krysten Ritter, Camilla Belle, and Mandy Moore. In 2007, while his namesake label was getting more recognition than ever, Som was appointed Creative Director for Bill Blass. He made his runway debut for Bill Blass in 2008 and later launched handbags for the label. He resigned from this role in October, 2008. Even while working as Creative Director for Blass and on his own collection, Som managed to collaborate with Lancôme cosmetics. They teamed up for a limited edition lipstick based on his Fall 2007 color palette. He later became part of the Creative Design Studio Group of Lancôme. In 2009, Som became the Creative Consultant to Tommy Hilfiger Runway Collection. Over the years, he has collaborated with various brands including Sferra Fine Linens, Surya Rugs and Anthropologie Ready-to-Wear, all of which he as been awarded with outstanding recognition. Over the years, Som has managed to secure shoe collaborations with renowned shoe designers including Monolo Blahnik, Aperlai, Charlotte Olympia and Tabitha Simmons. Peter’s clothes continue to win accolades from buyers and critics alike and are regularly featured in all major fashion publications globally, including Vogue, W, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar and InStyle.