For those of you who read La Clique regularly, you will know that I am not one to write about press days. I find that recently, in order to get a freebie, anyone will attend and write about any press day and that is not how I work. You will also know that I never write to slate therefore keeping my blog squeaky clean and positive - how I like my life. In this case, however, I find myself writing about a press day because I absolutely adored everything I saw!REISS, established by David Reiss in 1971 started out providing businesswear for men in and around London. In its expansion, it took on womenswear and became an international brand. I must say, though the styling was always impeccable and the clothes of good quality, I could never really see myself donning an outfit from there. Maybe the odd sweater or pair of trousers but nothing beyond that. I saw REISS as a 'staple' for my wardrobe and thus was indifferent to them.
Their most recent press day changed my mind completely! Never have I walked into a room and wanted everything (well, barring Lanvin's A/W 09/10 and Gucci's S/S 11 collections)! You could have likened my amazement, "ooh-ing" and "aah-ing" to that of a Herbal Essences advert. All of a sudden, REISS had life! Bags were bolder and looked like they belonged in the clutches of the meanest fashionistas around from New York to Tokyo! (Not to mention in my wardrobe!)
The women's collection was bold in accessories and shoes. The new accessories designer managed to breathe an edgy life force into the brand whilst maintaing the lady-like REISS woman. (Lady-like being used loosely as now she was more of a Glamazon than a lady who lunched!) Evening-wear was bursting with life with sequin detailing and gowns that could make the clumsiest of women look as though she was floating into the room!
Having started as a menswear brand that dealt mainly in businesswear, I expected a relatively boring collection from men, and thus an anticlimax. I was wrong (thank God!) What I walked into was the perfect fusion of masculine style with softer feminine undertones. With a pastel colour palette contrasted with structured tailoring and brought together with the most beautifully printed pocket squares, the menswear collection blew me away!
"See what I mean about the pocket squares?"
"Give me a soft turtleneck and I'm SOLD!"
Live Beautiful, Stay Vogue!
Ciao Bellissimi!
Mr. Darkwah
X
