Bal Harbour, FL – January 12, 2017 – Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour hosted Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos from the House of Peter Pilotto for an in-store personal appearance. The designers presented their Spring and Resort 2017 Collections. Guests enjoyed Peter and Christopher’s insightful perspective on their inspiration, and wined and dined while models showcased the South American-influences, including vibrant prints, embroidery and beautiful fabrics.

World Red Eye caught up with Peter Pilotto from the House of Peter Pilotto, who gave us a closer look into what goes into his stunning looks and how his brand came together.

WRE: How did you first get your start in design?

PP: It all started at the at the Royal Academy of Art and Design in Antwerp, where we first met. Antwerp was an inspiring place, we had the opportunity to meet other creative that were very eager to learn and discover new things, so I guess we discovered a lot of things about design there. When I graduated from Antwerp I was approached by a few stores who were interested in buying my graduation collection and then Christopher joined me and we started building the brand together.

We often say that we have a northern and a southern aspect to our designs – our structured approach representing the northern hemisphere and the colorful, playful characteristics being representative of the southern hemisphere.

Peter Pilotto, Co-Founder of Peter Pilotto

WRE: Tell us about the collection you are presenting at Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour?

PP: The Resort 2017 collection was all about showing a contrasting route through South America and referencing the visual elements of diverse cultures, which we travelled to, from Peru, Mexico, to Cuba and Ecuador. There is a lot of modern warmth in the collection, hues of vivid pinks and Inca gold as well as exotic blues that emphasize the vibrancy of the region. The voluminous taffeta and cotton skirts are decorated with a modern take on Peruvian embroidery is then juxtaposed with modern off the shoulder tops. Women can have fun but really feel powerful in this collection.

WRE: Where do you look for inspiration for each collection?

PP: It varies every season, we love to travel and it is often our trips abroad like trekking in rain forests, visiting volcanoes and experiencing different cultures that inspire our collections but inspiration can also come from photographs, nature and art. We like to see things in real life, which is why we enjoy traveling so much. Sometimes we brainstorm together and then we might go away and work on our own for a bit before coming back together and sharing our ideas. It’s a very organic process.

WRE: How has your culture had an influenced your brand/design aesthetic?

PP: Our nationalities and upbringings definitely influence our designs. We often say that we have a northern and a southern aspect to our designs – our structured approach representing the northern hemisphere and the colourful, playful characteristics being representative of the southern hemisphere.

WRE: Tell us about some of the favorite fabrics you use?

PP: At the moment we like to experiment with knitwear in an untraditional way. For Resort 2017 we played with lace knits and this beautiful gold metallic knit as a dress, which is made by an Italian factory specialized in knitwear.

WRE: What are some things you keep in mind when designing for a woman’s body type?

PP: We design for a strong but feminine woman. Our designs are always very considered and engineered, to ensure that the print, embroidery or jacquard lies in the most flattering place on the body to create a beautiful and statement look.

WRE: What has been the most memorable moment of your career thus far?  

PP: There has been so many memorable moments however the most significant one recently was being able to invite people into our studio in East London by Regents Canal for the SS17 Fashion Show. We served drinks and canapes when people arrived and we actually had the chance to speak guests before the show, which usually never happens. We wanted to show guests where the collection is made and give them an insight into the world of Peter Pilotto.

Our designs are always very considered and engineered, to ensure that the print, embroidery or jacquard lies in the most flattering place on the body to create a beautiful and statement look.

Peter Pilotto, Co-Founder of Peter Pilotto