“Pearls of Fashion Innovation”
By: Maria Z. Justice

Are you a modish fashionista seeking out the latest in Dallas fashion design and couture? Or are you perhaps endowed with a chic sophistication searching for the perfect little dress? If so, then take note because you are about to be informed of Dallas’ hottest new secret…Amber Perley, fashion designer and owner of Pearl Southern Couture, ‘a collection launched to capture a sense of style that has evolved through the traditions and the charm of the South!’
Perley is a Dallas native but LSU graduate in Fashion Design whose line was catapulted by an unforgettable fashion show at her parents house in August 2008, where so many orders were placed by her friends that she took samples to various locations that are now featured at two boutiques in Dallas. Those samples evolved into her Spring 2009 Collection, and are available for purchase at Mine at 4423 Lovers Lane and at Kacky & Carl on 2722 Routh Street.
So what separates this up and coming 26 year-old fashion designer from the rest? Aside from her sweet charm and instinctive panache that had her stapling fabrics together and making her own clothes at the age of 5, it would certainly be her drive to fill a void in the fashion industry that she longed for while shopping. Not to mention being a finalist in this years Texas Next Top Designer competition and winner of the 2008 DailyCandy sweetest things contest for best style! Perley affirms, “I created Pearl Southern Couture to be a fresh and unique new dress line that represented the southern lifestyle I drew inspiration from. The dresses can be worn to sorority rush, tea parties, weddings, church, football games, and out on the town! They are very well made and meant to be transitional from day into the night. Pearl Southern Couture is a cross between preppy and hippy with a flirty flavor that is fun but remains classic.” True to form, the Spring 2009 collection is surmised of breezy and airy fabrics of linen, chiffon and searsuckers that display flattering yet classic cuts. You will also see flirty ruffles that cascade off-the-shoulder and deep cutout backs.
And what has Perley been doing since?? Well, plenty, but mostly creating the Fall 2009 Collection, which has yet to be released, and traveling to several southern cities with the hopes to keep expanding her innovative line. And for you ladies that are engaged or soon to be, this expansion now includes bridal couture! While Perley has been politely discreet with her unprecedented Fall Collection, she did reveal to La Mode that we can expect to see a lot of earth-toned velvets, wools and knits with a hint of shimmer and a more elegant and regal distinction. Look for it in boutiques this August!
What more can we expect from Perley? “While I am influenced by Ralph Lauren, Lilly Pulitzer, Stella McCartney, and India Hicks, I plan to stick to my original inspiration for this line but continue expanding and keep it ever evolving. In doing so, I will continue traveling throughout the South and to the streets of New Orleans, Charleston and Austin to see what the people are wearing.” Additionally, “I hope to eventually have more pieces in my line as well as include various types of garments since I design dresses primarily. And I plan to become even more involved in the community thru charity events and fashion shows, and eventually have my own boutique.” Until then, additional information can also be found at WWW.PEARLSOUTHERNCOUTURE.COM.