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//DDD// Billy Reid Fall Winter 2012

Written by Lynn Furge, Senior Fashion Editor Photography by Marta Traskevych for www.figphoto.net “I Say a Little Prayer” whispered through the speakers as the lights dimmed and as they started to rise, following the model almost as if his presence has lit his path it was certain that the Billy Reid Fall Winter 2012 collection was going to be all about well thought out exquisite details. The first look was a heathered grey slubbed cashmere tweed hand tailored 3 piece suit, to follow were more hand tailored jackets and suits all with texture and a 1960’s vibe from the turtleneck sweaters to the hand-made wingtips at their feet.

The women’s runs were equally well done. Huge floppy hats by Albertus Swanepoel, loafer pumps and a bunch of those perfectly tailored outerwear pieces that Billy Reid is known for from cadet coats to ponchos all paired with pencil skirts and wide leg trousers. If Dione Warwick’s song was recorded in 1966 I was right with my observation of a nod at that upper middle class who weren’t flower children, but weren’t Brit pop either. Think Connecticut in 1967 where you still needed proper layers, but you had somewhere to go so your look had to be polished. The cropped trousers for men and the moto booties on the women made everything look extremely modern and wearable instead of retro, and from the applause and smiles in the audience, buyers, stylists and fans agree.