For Spring 2009, Tracy Reese unveiled 45 new looks in her signature feminine design aesthetic. I felt as though I’d been invited to a private garden party in Central Park with white lights streaming overhead. Ms Reese played on proportions in her romantic silhouette, predominantly constructed with fitted bodices that nipped at the waist before sprouting out into fuller ball skirts and pants. Even when this hourglass was turned over, with more loosely-shaped freeform trench coats and voluminous blouses shown on top, the bottom was balanced by a narrow stovepipe pant. Here the palette and design details overlapped brilliantly to underscore the collection’s feminine voice. From the great use of color and ladylike prints to the embroideries and embellishments, with pin-tucking and peplums, the admired designer ushered out some of the girliest frocks yet this season. Her legion of friends, family, and industry supporters seemed to be perched on the edge of their seats with baited breath. At times, it was so quiet; you could almost hear a pin drop, as the dreamy dulcet vocals of Keren Ann echoed against the soft melodic piano arrangement on her ethereal ballad “Liberty”.

Baby, I took all I had,
Ran to the shores
Lost track of time, let it sink in the sand
Travelled the highways, tripped in the heart of the land

Found myself restless one night
Sipped poison and wine
Dimmed every light and kissed many lips
Fell asleep blameless then woke up old, drunken, and missed

So I soared with the boreal wind

I bathed in the sun
Shook a sensible hand of one foolish and wise
I think he was ready to rise...
And the more that I ran, the more I was promised the sun...

According to the program notes, the Tracy Reese Spring 2009 Collection is a brilliant progression of nature and form with delicate, yet sophisticated pieces that emanate modern romance and strong femininity. Pastels converge into deeply intense vibrant hues, while relaxed silhouettes shift into layered and then architectural shapes, telling the story of a garden fantasy and the evolution of spring. The inaugural Black Label collection is an upstart version of the core items of Tracy Reese, featuring frothy organza, delicate chiffons, and rich brocades.

The palette began soft with pastel tones of eggshell, cement, teardrop, and nectarine before deepening with cubist abstracts and garden prints in shades of jade, peacock blue, Macau green, and onyx. The silhouette employed everything from lantern pants and jumpsuits to strapless and wrap dresses. Delicate cardigans, deep cowl necklines, and insets galore also kept the look fresh and modern. Fabrications varied from leather and linen to satin and lace with a handful of eye-catching watercolor prints, mainly the clouds, chrysanthemum, falling leaves. My favorite print in the collection and one of my most adored this season was the oleander roses. Excuse me Ms. Reese, may I please place my order for that double peplum strapless dress now? Because it’s sure to sell out by next spring. I almost want to host a garden party of my own just to have an excuse to wear it. High tea, anyone?

My favorite looks from the Tracy Reese Spring 2009 Collection included: an onyx strapless bodice in the falling leaves print atop voluminous onyx cropped lantern pants; the khaki cement appliqué frock; a jade green inset frock with quipere lace bolero; the rosewood mélange linen bouquet trench coat; a dried azalea guipere lace strapless frock; and my aforementioned favorite, the oleander roses double peplum strapless dress.

According to her company website, as a small child, Tracy Reese and her mother would sit together, side by side on sewing machines and make beautiful things, getting lost in the bliss of creation. Her ladylike Grandmother served as Ms. Reese’s first fashion icon. Tracy Reese moved from her hometown of Detroit, Michigan to Manhattan where she attended Parson’s School of Design. Following her graduation, she worked as a designer at a small contemporary firm Alequin, designed by Martine Sitbon, and with designer Perry Ellis, amongst others. Years later, still passionate about creating a line that reflected her own vision, Ms. Reese launched her namesake label, Tracy Reese, and a second line, plenty by Tracy Reese.
In the nearly ten years since the debut of Tracy Reese, the label has come to epitomize “feminine chic”. Each collection presents perfect pieces for the modern woman who simply loves to be a girl. Inspired by her exploration of flea markets and travels throughout Europe, Ms. Reese continually reveals timeless, wearable looks that pull from vintage and bohemian influences. Often using eccentric color combinations, lush fabrics, and embellishment; the designs enhance and celebrate female form.

Tracy Reese and plenty by Tracy Reese are sold at the Flagship Boutique in New York, nationwide to top department stores and specialty boutiques including Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Anthropologie, and Scoop. She is also sold at select retailers throughout Europe and Asia.

Images provided courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Newsgroup.

For additional information, please visit http://www.tracyreese.com/

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