Tracy Reese s customers are used to mashed-up, ultrafeminine prints, but for Pre-Fall the designer served them up with plenty of polish. The word "dreamy" was thrown around a lot in her studio today, particularly when Reese brought out a languid maxi dress covered in painterly jewel-tone florals. She styled it with slip-on sandals and a matching kimono. "I m still in love with kimonos," she admitted. "It s the perfect transitional piece. You can wear it immediately when it hits stores." The collection was full of such "buy now, wear now" pieces, like olive green knits, leg-lengthening flares, and "deconstructed coats" that could be worn as outerwear or dresses. One standout was a black sleeveless trench with giant zippers; belted over a sweater and jeans it would read as a cool oversize vest. While much of the collection was relatively pared back, Reese indulged her love of embellishment with a candy-colored slipdress encrusted with sequins. "When you get to this point in the season, you re sick of being casual," she said. "But it s hot out, so you still have to be comfortable." On that note, Reese also showed a great asymmetric-hem midi skirt in a navy "moonlight floral." Paired with a jeweled tank it would be ideal for the summer party circuit. Of course, those of us searching for a more casual uniform needn t look further than Reese s cropped, wide-leg indigo jumpsuit, which very well could be worn anywhere.
