I have a friend who was working as an intern under Billy Reid’s creative director in New York City, and was recently promoted as head of Social Media and Communications for the brand as a whole.
Billy Reid is an American designer, who started in the deep south of Florence, Alabama, and is known for making classic styles in high quality fabrics. He has grown in consistency, as well as reputation, and his outerwear and shoes for men is where he is most credible.
Because Claire is a close friend, and because we frequently have creative conversation, we “back and forth” on the brand and her thoughts since she’s had an inside into the brand as a whole.
I transcribed some of her statements specific to my concentration here:
>> Billy always says « if anything, be cool. » Billy’s designs began in Florence, AL and were pigeon joked as a Southern. After years of success within that realm of fashion, he’s really looking to elevate and move beyond it. We’re going to be a part of Pitti this year, in Italy, which will be massive for us, in a European sense.
Billy’s clothes are largely made in America – it’s something both he and our customer care a lot about. There’s a pride there and also a control over the quality of his clothes and emphasis on the way his employees and workers are treated.
When it comes to how he represents European fashion that’s tough bc he focuses so much on made in America BUT our shoes are made 100% in Italy.
Libby, Billy’s Creative Director recently went to that shop and talked with the makers of our shoes and the whole process. It’s grandfathered in process and they make them all in this tiny little house in the city.
His shoe designs are very, very classic. He has done many partnerships with shoes but his actual designs are my favorite and play a huge part in elevating his collections – since they are most often built for wear and comfort and layering. But his boots, loafers, and monks make his outfits different. I think that could be a tie to European fashion. Not only that it’s made there, but his clothes are basic, staples that are built entirely about fit and to last, and that the shoes make the outfit. <<
Find more information and images on Billy Reid, here:
m.b. Soles 