COMFORTABLY CLASSIC, WITH JUST ENOUGH EDGE

There is something so comforting about a Billy Reid collection: soft, tailored, wearable, real clothes for real men.  But don’t confuse comforting with boring.  There is nothing mundane about his looks.  There is always a creative edge that cannot be denied.

For Fall/Winter 2016, Reid experimented with fabrics:  tweeds, blends and knits.  He also focused on patterns, taking his inspiration from nature, a perfect fit for his preferred neutral palette.

There were so many standouts in this collection, relaxed pants paired with silky print sweaters, quilty coats and vests, buttery soft suede jackets, slightly oversized sport coats, baggy shorts and beautifully tailored overcoats.

But this runway wasn’t all about the boys.  Reid showed his spectacular women’s wear collection, too.  Classic, with a twist, like a midi-length leather skirt in black and a deep orange tan, roomy slacks and a magnificent gold overcoat in the softest wool I’ve ever seen.

It doesn’t hurt that this die-hard southern boy is also one of the nicest people in the industry, with lots of famous fans, including Jesse Tyler-Ferguson who showed up for the runway. But the real reason behind his popularity is that his clothes are just so damn good, tailor made for the man, or woman, who knows who he or she is, and dresses to match.

© Red Stiletto Media 2016       Photography: Anton Brookes