Billy Reid has been a force in menswear for a few seasons now, but his more recent foray into womenswear is what has really caught my eye. His Louisiana roots have such a strong influence in his pieces, which evoke a sense of mystery and femininity with breathy fabrics and easy silhouettes.
At his Fall 2011 presentation during New York Fashion Week, he showed a few womenswear looks for the first time. The ensembles had a dark beauty to them as well as a retro vibe, with layered separates that reminded me of the 1930’s and 1940’s: a cropped black jacket over a cream silk dressed that featured a long layer of black chiffon as an outer layer, a white blazer worn over a black sweater worn over a white long dress, a plaid menswear-inspired suit paired with a slouchy knit beret. One of my favorite pieces from the collection was a beautiful exotic clutch in brown, crafted from alligator skin as a guess. Such an elegant and beautiful piece and if it is made for the season in different colors, I don’t see why a multitude of celebrities wouldn’t be carrying it on the red carpet.
Billy Reid has some beautiful pieces for Spring that are definitely wardrobe essentials. Here are my favorite picks for the season.
I absolutely adore the Evelyn Slingback Wedge ($375) and its feminine take on a wingtip oxford. Rompers are the easiest way to look chic in summer and the Fishing Romper in Black Chambray ($275) borrows from the design of a menswear fishing shirt. April showers bring May flowers, but there are always those rare chilly days so keep warm and dry with the Safari Coat ($395).
Visit www.billyreid.com for more information.
Urban Sybaris 