PARIS — They behave like young designers — chain-smoking over their sketchbooks and relishing their creative independence — but Roy Krejberg and Peachoo Datwani have been around the block.
Between them, they have a couple of decades of industry experience: The Danish Krejberg designed Kenzo’s men’s wear for nine years, and Datwani, who was born in India, created the Nitya clothing brand with her ex-husband.
But with their nascent venture, Peachoo & Krejberg, they just want to have fun — while doing some serious business.
Since they launched earlier this year, they’ve already managed to pick up more than 30 retail accounts, including Lane Crawford, Galeries Lafayette in Paris, If in New York, Barneys New York in Tokyo and Dover Street Market in London, for their designer-priced wares. Wholesale prices range from 40 euros, or $53 at current exchange rates, for a T-shirt, up to 365 euros, or $419, for a hand-embroidered top.
“We really wanted to have the freedom to do our own thing,” explained Datwani, who also has a history in home furnishings design. “We wanted to do it with a certain joy.”
“We like the same things in architecture and clothes,” added Krejberg. “When it came to starting a new chapter, I couldn’t think of anybody else I’d want to do it with except Peachoo.”
Krejberg described their aesthetic as “simple but not minimalistic. We’re interested in researching new shapes. We like mixing precious details with simple shapes or fabrics, and vice versa.”
Indeed, their style is part Japanese avant-garde, part ethnic, with worn-in cottons and washed silks and flower prints — though both claim to dislike multicultural looks. “I don’t even like Indian food,” quipped Peachoo.
Designs for spring 2005 include white poplin pleated skirts, colorful tops with delicate hand-beading or chiffon appliqués and deceptively simple knitwear. The silhouettes are voluminous, with pleating details, or tailored close to the body.
“We’re very interesting in draping,” explained Krejberg.
For the moment, the two are working intently on next year’s fall collection, which they will show in a presentation in Paris during the ready-to-wear shows in March.
Related Articles
You May Also Like
But they’ve already got a couple of ideas about how to expand the line.
“I really want to add men’s,” said Krejberg. “And maybe a shop.” Added Datwani, “But we’re just starting. We’re taking it step by step.”