First, it was the modular color play of Narciso Rodriguez, then Derek Lam’s modern palette of patterns took their turn, followed by Catherine Malandrino‘s understated Parisian simplicity. Now, the DesigNation at Kohl’s baton turns over to Peter Som, who seems to have blended the strong points of each of his predecessors into one collection of completely wearable, utterly affordable style.
In DesigNation tradition, Peter Som was asked to create a collection inspired by a location. His choice? The ritzy and utterly luxurious St. Barths. Muted, but saturated blues and reds appear on a background of bright white, while other parts of the collection boast a horde of horizontal stripes, the shapes ranging from extremely sophisticated to girly to sporty. There is a distinctly nautical vibe pouring out of this collection, and the collection is definitely island life-friendly.
In his Spring/Summer 2014 collection, Peter Som utilized the same use of multi-directional stripes. The stripes adorned garments that were minimal, billowing and unfussy like silk pants, oversized coats and draped dresses. In his capsule collection for DesigNation at Kohl’s, you see the every-which-way stripes used in a similar way, providing a wide, graphic border for the hems of dresses, as seen on his Printed Shift Dress ($49) and adorning hypnotizing wrap dresses like the Striped Surplice Dress ($44.80).
Peter Som’s architectural comprehension can be attributed to… his architect parents. We can thank them for bestowing their child with the genetic brilliance to create modern structures like this Flounce Hem Mermaid Dress ($41.80), which looks simple, but is really anything but.
Som’s knack for combining serious lines with flirty and waggish prints creates a distinctly offbeat and preppy vibe that morphs from piece to piece. Sometimes, it’s a crisp, blindingly-white pair of bermuda shorts ($30.80), but other times, it’s a maxi dress covered in an organized array of multicolored lines ($54.60).
But is it wearable? Oh I do believe it is. And this is coming from a gal who can’t leave the house without some kind of weaponized accessory and messy hair. While cruising through the collection, I envisioned the graphic prints with faded jeans and the preppy silk tops under rugged motorcycle jackets.
Emmy Rossum, Emma Roberts, Kate Bosworth and Jenna Dewan Tatum have all found a piece of the Peter Som x DesigNation collection to love. Kate Bosworth’s auburn-copper hair looks incredible with the Tie-Dye Shirtdress ($51.80).
Of course there are things that aren’t entirely well communicated. A sweatshirt with a cluster of embroidered flowers and gems… probably won’t make it into my wardrobe. Is it terrible? Definitely not. That’s the beauty of the DesigNation designers – they make a little something for everyone.
The prices, of course, are incredible. The fact that us plebes have access to high end design minds like Peter Som at prices that don’t compromise our ability to eat is a true gift. While most things are under $100, the entire collection is on sale for some reason, so prices are even lower than they should be.*
See the entire Peter Som x DesigNation collection at Kohl’s!
* Extra credit for ultra-brokesters: Take 15% off and free shipping on order of $75 or more with the code CELEBRATE.