A San Francisco native, designer Peter Som learned to appreciate form and function at an early age thanks to his architect parents. Now based in New York, the Parsons School of Design alum is known for his artful spin on ladylike style. In addition to his own decadent line of ladylike gowns and separates, this season Som unveils his first full collection for the house of Bill Blass—but not before revealing his favorite flicks, dream dinner-party guest list, and what he’d be doing if he weren’t such an important fixture in the New York fashion scene.
What colors and textures are you gravitating to this season and why? I am loving bright colors like apple green, raspberry, and aqua mixed with more tonal deep tones like plum, navy, and gray.
Technicolor was mentioned as one of your inspirations for fall: What are a few of your favorite ’50s and ’60s films? My favorite Technicolor moments are the Adrian fashion show in The Women and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
Diane Arbus’s photography also plays a big part in next season’s looks: Which of her images are you most drawn to? Her photographs of downtown New Yorkers, especially “Teenage Couple on Hudson Street” from 1963.
Who are a few of your other favorite photographers? Cecil Beaton, Philip-Lorca diCorcia, and Richard Avedon.
Where are your favorite places to see art in New York? The Met, the Guggenheim, David Zwirner gallery, Studio Museum of Harlem.
