Yellow silk chiffon Caroline blouse and handwoven silk navy and green plaid pants, CrOp by David Peck. Vegan two-tone pumps by Cri de Coeur. Turquoise and brass ring, Fanta Celah. Photo: Michael Alexander.

By Bianca Alexander

Perhaps it’s part of my ongoing fashion crush on the Mad Hatter, played by the lovable Johnny Depp in Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. Perhaps it’s this season’s emphasis on mixing and matching colors, prints and textures from all walks of life. Or perhaps, like the inevitable turning of leaves, I’m simply in the mood for a fresh change. Whatever the reason, right now, I’m mad about plaid.

It’s only fair to share the muse for my current style inspiration, a discovery I literally stumbled upon during one of my latest jaunts to New York: David Peck. Though he showcased his Fall/Winter collection amongst several eco-conscious designers at F.I.T.’s recent “Fiber to Fabulous” forum, Mr. Peck rose above the fray with his humble demeanor, Southern charm and piercing blue eyes. The fact that his Houston-based design house manufactures each garment using organic cottons, silks and low-impact dyes was just icing on the cake. What blew me away, though, was his couture collection, appropriately called CrOp for its earth-loving roots. With well-constructed high-waisted pants, skirts and dresses in bold graphic prints and nubby plaids paired with bright and blousy chiffon tops and tunics, this collection makes transitioning into the season an easy-breezy harvest.

Stay tuned for more on the talented Mr. Peck. With his wearable, whimsical CrOp of creative designs, he is well-poised not only as a rising star in sustainable fashion, but a designer with the power to revolutionize the entire fashion industry.