From runway to recipe book

Peter Som’s journey from the high-fashion runways of New York to the comforting aromas of a home kitchen is as unexpected as it is inspiring. Known for his elegant, modern designs that graced the collections of top fashion houses and celebrities alike, Som has now turned his creative energy toward the culinary world. His transition from fashion designer to cookbook author might seem like a leap, but for Som, it’s a natural evolution rooted in a lifelong passion for food and storytelling.

Growing up in a Cantonese-American household in San Francisco, Som was surrounded by the sights, smells, and rituals of home cooking. While his professional life took him to the ateliers of the fashion elite, his personal life remained grounded in the kitchen, where he often experimented with recipes and hosted intimate dinners for friends. Over time, cooking became more than a hobby—it became a form of expression just as vital as his work with fabric and form.

With the release of his cookbook Family Style, Som brings his signature aesthetic sensibility to the plate. The same attention to detail and balance that defined his fashion collections is evident in his approach to food. Each recipe is thoughtfully composed, not only in flavour but in presentation, reflecting his belief that beauty and function can—and should—coexist in every aspect of life.

Som’s move into the culinary space also reflects a broader trend of creatives exploring new mediums. For Australian readers familiar with the intersection of design and lifestyle, his story resonates as a reminder that creativity knows no bounds. Whether dressing a model or plating a dish, Som continues to inspire with his ability to blend artistry and authenticity.

A celebration of multicultural flavors

At the core of Family Style is a rich tapestry of multicultural influences that speak to Peter Som’s diverse heritage and global palate. Drawing from his Cantonese roots, the cookbook features dishes that honour traditional flavours while embracing the freedom to reinterpret them. Think soy-braised short ribs with a hint of star anise, or a ginger-scallion noodle dish that’s both comforting and elevated. These recipes are not strict reproductions of family classics, but rather loving tributes that reflect Som’s personal journey and culinary curiosity.

French and American cuisines also play a prominent role, woven seamlessly into the fabric of the book. A roast chicken might be seasoned with Chinese five-spice and served with a buttery French pan sauce, while a classic mac and cheese gets a twist with miso and crispy shallots. This blending of traditions results in dishes that feel both familiar and refreshingly new—perfect for Australian home cooks who appreciate bold flavours and cultural fusion.

Som’s approach is not about rigid authenticity but about celebrating the way food evolves through experience and memory. He encourages readers to adapt recipes to their own tastes and backgrounds, making the book feel inclusive and accessible. For Australians with multicultural households or those who enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, this ethos resonates deeply. It’s a reminder that food is a living, breathing expression of identity, shaped by the people and places that influence us.

Throughout the cookbook, Som shares personal anecdotes that highlight the significance of each dish, whether it’s a childhood favourite or a creation inspired by travels through Europe. These stories add depth and warmth, inviting readers into his world and encouraging them to reflect on their own culinary heritage. The result is a collection of recipes that not only taste good but also tell a story—one that spans continents and generations.

The heart of home cooking

At the centre of Peter Som’s culinary philosophy is the belief that the kitchen is more than just a place to prepare meals—it’s the heart of the home, where stories are shared, traditions are passed down, and connections are deepened. In Family Style, this sentiment is woven through every page, with recipes designed not just for flavour, but for the experience of cooking and eating together. Whether it’s a casual Sunday lunch or a festive dinner with friends, Som’s dishes are crafted to bring people together around the table.

Many of the recipes are intentionally unfussy, encouraging home cooks to embrace imperfection and spontaneity. There’s a warmth and generosity in the way Som writes about food—he invites readers to cook with intuition, to taste as they go, and to make each dish their own. For Australian households, where relaxed entertaining and shared meals are part of the cultural fabric, this approach feels especially relevant. It’s about creating moments, not just meals.

Som’s emphasis on family-style dining is also a nod to his upbringing, where meals were communal and everyone had a role to play. From setting the table to stirring the pot, the act of preparing food was a shared responsibility and a source of joy. This spirit is reflected in recipes that are meant to be served in big bowls or platters—think fragrant rice dishes, slow-cooked meats, and vibrant vegetable sides—all designed to be passed around and enjoyed together.

In addition to the recipes, Som includes thoughtful tips on hosting, plating, and even playlist suggestions to set the mood. These touches make the book feel like more than a cookbook—it’s a guide to creating meaningful experiences at home. For Australians who value hospitality and the simple pleasure of a home-cooked meal, these insights offer inspiration for making everyday gatherings feel special.

Ultimately, the heart of home cooking, as Som presents it, lies in its ability to nourish not just the body, but the soul. It’s about the laughter that echoes through the kitchen, the stories told over second helpings, and the comfort of familiar flavours shared with loved ones. Through Family Style, Som reminds us that the most memorable meals are often the ones made with love, served with generosity, and enjoyed in good company.

Culinary journey from fashion to food

Peter Som, once a fixture on the New York Fashion Week calendar and a favourite among style insiders, has taken a bold step from the runway to the kitchen. Known for his refined aesthetic and effortless silhouettes, Som now channels that same creative energy into the culinary world. His transition from fashion designer to cookbook author might seem unexpected, but for Som, it’s a natural evolution of his artistic expression.

After years of dressing women in elegant, modern designs, Som has turned his attention to dressing the table. His new cookbook, Family Style, is a reflection of his personal journey—one that blends his design sensibility with a deep-rooted love for food. The shift began during a pause in his fashion career, when he found solace and inspiration in cooking at home. What started as a passion project soon became a full-fledged culinary pursuit.

Som’s approach to food mirrors his fashion philosophy: thoughtful, approachable, and always with a touch of flair. Just as he once played with textures and prints in his collections, he now experiments with ingredients and flavours, crafting dishes that are as visually appealing as they are delicious. His background in fashion informs everything from the plating of a dish to the styling of a dinner table—proof that style transcends mediums.

For Australian fashion lovers who appreciate both aesthetics and authenticity, Som’s journey is a reminder that creativity knows no bounds. Whether it’s a silk blouse or a bowl of hand-pulled noodles, the artistry lies in the details—and Peter Som continues to deliver, now with a ladle instead of a sketchpad.

A celebration of multicultural flavors

In Family Style, Peter Som serves up more than just recipes—he offers a sensory experience that reflects his rich cultural heritage and global influences. Born to Chinese-American parents and raised in San Francisco, Som’s culinary voice is a vibrant fusion of East and West. His Cantonese roots are evident in dishes like soy-glazed chicken wings and ginger-scallion noodles, where traditional flavours are elevated with a modern twist. These aren’t just nostalgic nods—they’re reimagined classics that speak to a new generation of home cooks who crave both comfort and sophistication.

But Som doesn’t stop at Cantonese cuisine. His time spent in Paris and New York has left a lasting impression on his palate, and it shows. Think buttery galettes with seasonal fruit, or a roast chicken infused with herbes de Provence and served alongside a tangy Asian slaw. It’s this seamless blending of cultures that makes his cookbook feel so relevant—especially for Australian readers, who are no strangers to multicultural dining tables. The recipes are designed to be shared, much like a fashion collection meant to be worn and lived in.

“Food, like fashion, is about storytelling,” Som says. “It’s about identity, memory, and joy.”

Each recipe is styled with the same attention to detail that once defined his runway shows. From the colour palette of the ingredients to the textures on the plate, there’s a visual harmony that fashion lovers will instantly recognise. The pages of Family Style feel like a beautifully curated lookbook—only instead of silk and chiffon, it’s sesame oil and citrus zest.

• Charred Broccolini with Black Garlic – a nod to Asian street food, elevated with a designer’s eye for balance.
• Crème Fraîche Potato Salad with Furikake – a playful mix of French creaminess and Japanese umami.
• Five-Spice Short Ribs – slow-cooked elegance that’s as bold as a statement coat.

For the Australian fashion set, Som’s culinary creations offer a new way to engage with style—through the rituals of cooking and sharing. It’s a celebration of heritage, yes, but also of the global influences that shape our tastes, both on the plate and in our wardrobes.