A-Peel-ing Designs


[Note: This post was originally published on Stylefinds. I don't normally re-post my Stylefinds articles on my own blog, but I thought this was a special exception since I'd mentioned in this post that I was keen to interview Megan Berks.]

Local label Peel Designs has an irresistible allure for those who crave simplicity and femininity in their clothing. I first came across Peel when I purchased the 'Anthology' cardigan from Madison on Main. Intrigued by its clean lines and demure styling, I knew I had to check out Peel's online catalogue and talk to designer Megan Berks. Luckily, Megan is just as sweet as her creations and took the time to answer a few questions.

Megan's lifelong love of sewing and fashion design led her to study at the Helen Lefeaux School of Fashion Design and to complete a two-year textile arts program at Capilano College, after which she worked with local designers for a few years. She founded Peel in 2004, releasing a capsule collection of six dresses, jackets, and tops.

Five years after its inception, Peel has expanded its offerings and earned plenty of buzz from top Canadian fashion publications like Fashion and Flare. It's also been featured regularly in local papers such as The Province, 24 Hours, and The Georgia Straight.

Megan describes Peel's aesthetic as "vintage-inspired and feminine": "I think it can be quite girly at times but also very classic and wearable. I think Peel attracts creative, independent women who aren't overly fixated on trends and fads. They just want beautiful, high-quality clothes that can be worn for more than one season."

The 'Champagne' dress from Peel's spring 2008 collection.


Like Peel's previous collections, the spring/summer 2009 collection is sure to contain perennial favourites that women will want to wear for many seasons to come, albeit with more sustainable fabrications. "Spring 09 is really bold & fun. There are lots of pretty sun dresses and girly blouses. There is a definite move into using more organic and sustainable fabrics--over half of the spring collection is eco-friendly," says Megan.

So, what's next for her and for Peel? "I recently had a baby girl so I'm trying to strike a balance between the two!," says Megan. "I'm really excited for 2009. We're finally launching an online store! I'm really excited for this because right now we mainly focus on wholesaling to stores. It's so nice to get a chance to talk with the women who actually wear our clothes!"

Peel is available at Hum and Dream in Vancouver. For more information, check out www.peeldesigns.com or email megan@peeldesigns.com

11 comments

  1. Wow, you are not kidding. What a spectacular group of designs. I love the simple-but-distinctive knit dresses in particular.

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  2. I love her designs - especially the dresses. They're exactly as you described them: simple and feminine. Thank you for posting about her!

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  3. i love it! the designs are so simple & perfect!

    xoxo,
    La C.

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  4. I really enjoyed reading this--I'm glad you decided to post it.

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  5. What a great article Lisa. You are a really talented writer! Don't forget that and you can do anything you want :) Great great great post and miss you tons! 11 months til TO!! Did I tell you we are going to Vietnam after this contract??! MUAH!

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  6. Beautifully written, L! Glad to find another fab new designer (love that white frock!) and to meet another facebook addict - I am Carrie Critton if you want to find me and "friend" me, as they say!

    xoxox,
    CC

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  7. I love the feminine fluidity of the clothes. Very flirty and innocent.

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  8. i just checked out the site :) i'm even more in love!

    xoxo,
    La C.

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  9. Re your comment to me, don't worry, your projects will always be welcome! It's these people I don't know well who are so atrocious to deal with.

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  10. Thanks for featuring this designer! =) I always find it really interesting to read about the sort of path designers took before breaking out into a more successful career/their own fashion label. And for her to have so much going on along with having 2 kids... really cool. X) Am definitely checking this label out. Have you ever wanted to work in fashion/be a designer or something? Just curious. ;p In your profile it says technical writer but what does that entail?

    Btw, thanks for all your great comments and for helping me out with my link list! Ahh i can't believe I didn't have your link there originally >< I check your blog almost everyday! I have to make a more conscious effort with those links from now on ;p

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