Tracy Reese Fall 2008

Look up the word “eclectic” in the dictionary and Tracy Reese’s latest collection will be right under it. If you’re a girl that literally likes to mix things up this collection was screaming your name. She had all the ingredients for a style rebel in the making. Animal print skirts paired with frilly tops. Check. Satin draped over plaid pencil skirts. No problem. Knitwear teamed with ornate brocade dresses. Absolutely! Tracy wasn’t afraid to take different colors and textures and throw them together. But there was a method to the madness. The collection had an effortless cohesion and although I would not wear the outfits exactly as she presented them, I definitely saw pieces I’d want to buy to fit into my existing wardrobe. Tracy took it “all the way there” with her latest offering and I LOVE IT!

Tracy Reese Spring 2008

This collection came in two parts. First came the structured suits, pinstripe dresses and tailored high-waisted pants – a must have for this season. Next Tracy Reese showed us what a sophisticate might wear during her adventure in the tropics. Seventies inspired long, floaty dresses and bright fitted pieces provided a strong contrast to the first half of the collection. All in all it wasn’t a bad collection, with Tracy you always get quality, however I didn’t see anything that blew me away. My favorite ensemble was the yellow dress and matching umbrella (pictured). How cool would it be to have a matching umbrella for all your best outfits? Don’t let the transition of season ruin your sense of style.

A Black and White Affair…

Thandie Newton and Eva Mendes attending the launch party for new range of bags created by Mulberry for Giles, at Harvey Nichols, London in January 2007.

Angela Bassett attending the ceremony honoring Oscar-winning actor Forest Whitaker with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame earlier this week in Hollywood.

Cassie posing backstage after her appearance on MTV's Total Request Live last September in New York City.

Sanaa Lathan at the Cosmopolitan Magazine launch of Bebe Sport with Eva Longoria last March.

Kimora Lee Simons posing in the lobby during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2007 in New York City.

Kelly Rowland with designer Tracy Reese backstage at the Tracy Reese Fall 2007 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in the Promenade in Bryant Park this February in NYC.

Sorry the posts have been slow this week I’ve been busy with papers and then blogger was acting up. Anyway, monochrome prints are going to be hot this summer but if you don’t do pretty patterns opt for block colors. Black and white stripes like Cassie and Thandie’s give this look a harder edge.

Backstage @ Tracy Reese's Show...

This is a great synopsis of her show with a little backstage footage and interviews with Alicia Keys, Veronica Webb and the lady herself. Click here or the picture above for the footage.

Tracy Reese Fall 2007

Tracy Reese’s clothes have become synonymous with vibrancy and color, however this season the Detroit native decided to spread her wings and experiment with a much more subdued color palette. Neutral colors such as black and beige gave the collection a sense of calm while still maintaining the ‘girly sophistication’ Tracy’s clothes are known for. Meanwhile, the sparkly gray dresses and muted navy separates are the perfect shades to transition us from Winter to Spring. There were some hints of color though. Towards the end of the show Tracy surprised us with her trademark oranges and pinks but not in the usual ‘ethnic’ embroidered patterns we’re used to seeing. The bright, block colors paired with the polka dot tights models wore as they sashayed down the runway were pure perfection… Bravo Tracy!

Real Life Divas: Tracy Reese

Ladies be sure to check out the latest episode of BET J’s “Real Life Divas.” The show spotlights various African-American women who have made a significant impact in America be it artistically, socially or politically. Tracy Reese’s segment was particularly interesting, well maybe I’m just bias being a fashionista, but I definitely encourage all to watch. The show walks us through Tracy's career thus far, touches on her artistic inspirations and delves into her reasons for continuing to pursue her dream even after her first label failed. Check your local listings for air times :)

Note: “Real Life Divas” is co-produced by Crystal McCrary Anthony. Check out the ‘I Like Her Style!’ feature on her here!

Tracy Reese Spring 2007

Finally, some color! Although I was worried for a minute there because the first 10 or so looks were decidedly subdued, which is kinda unusual for Tracy Reese. Known for her bright color palettes and embroidered fabrics, this collection sees Tracy step out of her box, which is great, but this isn’t my favorite Reese collection. There were however splashes of brilliance, like this dress (pictured), her coats and jackets, the Victorian inspired collars and look number 8 – the pink/cream flower patterned dress. Reese loves color and it’s great to see it used so fearlessly, however the cuts and shapes of these clothes were nothing new. Don’t get me wrong though, I still support the sista! ;) Learn more about Tracy Reese here!

Reese's Pieces!

Tracy Reese backstage at her Spring 2006 fashion show during Olympus Fashion Week
Tracy Reese's new flagship store in New York

Tracey Reese's road to success was anything but smooth, her first fashion line failed after only two years! Undeterred the designer had a small stint working for Marc Jacobs at Perry Ellis before delving back into restarting her line. Seven years on and her collections have been a roaring success, so much so she decided to open a second line called 'Plenty' by Tracy Reese and Anthropologie sells her furniture collection Tracy Reese Home! Reese's clothes are made for the ultimate girlie girl. Fabrics are embellished and luxurious; elaborately beaded and embroidered; whilst being vintage and flirty! To top it all off Reese recently opened her first flagship store (pictured above). Visit her newly designed site to see her latest collection @ www.tracyreese.com or visit www.plentybytracyreese.com for her more affordable clothing line.

Address:
Tracy Reese
641 Hudson Street
New York
NY 10014

Store Inquiries: 212 807 0505