The credit crunch may be leaving us with less money to burn but it hasn’t dampened our desire to look any less fashionable. Fortunately this season there is an answer as Reiss brings high fashion to the high street.
Whilst Reiss has always stood a sartorial step above other affordable high street labels, its spring/summer 2009 collection has lifted it to an altogether higher plain. The quality of its fabrics, the class of its cuts and its stylistic quirks have already carved it a niche market at the very top of the high street but it’s Reiss’ interpretations of this season’s key trends that have made it one of the hottest labels of 2009.
The most direct of its catwalk translations is the jumpsuit, embracing the style for beachwear, casualwear, and following Stella McCartney’s lead with a tuxedo rompersuit to cover eveningwear as well.
In tailoring its separates too it doesn’t disappoint. Experimenting with this season’s diverse trouser shapes it offers a variety of stylish options including a particularly covetable pair of harem pants.
Embracing the feel created by the likes of Lanvin and MuiMui, its short skirts and bright colours suggest a youthful vibrancy. Mini hems are balanced with proper waists and rounded hips, with asymmetric tops adding a touch of classicism. Aquas and corals answer summer’s call for bold blocks of colour.
Fringing and frills, both popular on the catwalks, have also been interpreted in Reiss’ inimitable way. Keeping fringes short and neat, they swathe across strapless dresses and straight skirts whilst frills cascade around and down necklines like silk/satin waterfalls.
A homage to designer luxury, its accessories are a joy to behold. Larger, structured bags offer a ladylike chic felt at Prada for the last few seasons whilst tiny boxes covered in colourful faux-skins are suspended from wrists catwalk-style, with short metal chains.
Their shoes too are simply divine: look out for its open toed platform sandals, bang on trend with frill corsages across the toes. Sitting at the top of my wish list is the most fantastic reptile-effect pair with latticework fronts and peep toes. In white and black with a hint of gold trim, they ooze Chanel chic although in eye-catching emerald they are a must-have for any flamboyant fashionista.
