"Dressing a woman is about making her feel her best for me. I always want to give confidence in my designs," said Peter Dundas. After an illustrious career of dressing some of the most famous women, shifting and influencing the aesthetic landscape, and leading numerous storied ateliers, it's safe to say Dundas has accomplished that brief.
The name Peter Dundas is synonymous with luxury fashion. You may know the Norwegian-born designer (now LA-based) from his many iconic A-list red carpet moments, his many collabs, his cult celebrity following (see: Beyoncé and Kim Kardashian), or his tenure at the helm of a myriad of the industry's top brands. Or you may know him from that surrealist (or as Paris would say, "sliving") one-of-a-kind Swarovski crystal martini bag Paris Hilton wore at the 2022 Grammy Awards. It was a collaboration with Grey Goose, inspired by Dundas's drink of choice, a dirty vodka martini.
"Paris just being herself was all the input I needed," Dundas tells POPSUGAR, referring to Hilton's input during the design process. "I have dressed her many times, so there is trust there. She is all about freedom, glamour, and sensuality, which I think very much is part of the Dundas woman's identity as well." The clutch features an ombré from majestic blue to a clear crystal to evoke the natural spring water used in the base of any quintessential martini: Grey Goose vodka. The timeless, sleek accessory is custom-designed with refined rock Swarovski crystal panels, is a perfect blend of chic functionality, and perfectly fits into the Dundas design universe.
Dundas has been a fashion fixture throughout his 30-year career, from assisting iconic couturiers Jean Paul Gaultier and Christian Lacroix to designing for Ungaro and his eponymous label. He's managed the almost impossible: constantly staying current while challenging and evolving himself. After all these years in an industry like fashion (where "one day you're in and the next day, out"), it's a wonder what keeps him going. "I feel like a beginner with every new collection I start. The world is constantly evolving, and it is inspiring to be part of that evolution," Dundas says.
Image Source: David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty ImagesPeter Dundas and partner Evangelo Bousis at the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
The in-demand designer burst onto the fashion scene as design assistant to Gaultier at the Comédie-Française in Paris. This eventually led to tenures at Emilio Pucci (where he was creative director from 2008 to 2015) and Roberto Cavalli (from 2015 to 2016, and then back again in 2020). He's been known for his distinct approach to global design, use of prints, organic, free-flowing, yet structured silhouettes, and glamazon aesthetic, as seen by his many glamorous muses. After a successful career leading other houses, it was only fitting to launch his own label alongside business [and life] partner Evangelo Bousis (which debuted on Beyoncé at the 2017 Grammy Awards). The brand also saw massive exposure in 2020, designing the costumes for Shakira's Super Bowl halftime performance.
"I think the role of a designer has always been to make your dream," Dundas says. "Today, I think we can also help create mindfulness in areas such as sustainability, inclusion, and gender identity. I feel blessed that so many people love fashion, but with that comes a responsibility to use the voice given in a positive way."
And who is the Dundas woman? According to the man himself, "The Dundas woman is sexy but never cheap, glamorous, independent with a boho spirit; hopefully, a little rockstar too, as music is fundamental in my inspiration." From the stacked roster of celebrity clients, we have to agree. Emily Ratajkowski, Ciara (who has had many Dundas red carpet moments), Megan Fox, Lori Harvey, Naomi Campbell, Kendall Jenner - and the list continues. "I have been very lucky in my career to design for some iconic women."
Aside from a life of glamour, jet setting, dressing models, and fabulous parties, Dundas is a family man. He and his husband Evangelo Bousis have two young kids, Alexis and Eleni Bousis-Dundas (both born during the pandemic). The fashion duo, according to a 2023 Vogue Business article, "relocated to Los Angeles for the births of their two children, while continuing to operate the business in the UK. The brand is laying off six UK employees and plans to shift the company to the US"
"I think for any designer, you have to find your voice, believe in it, and pursue it with conviction. A strong identity is everything today, more than ever," Dundas says.
So what's next for the designer? "Right now, I'm fully immersed in our next collection. We are also launching gender-fluid makeup, and maybe there will be some new surprises."