Tracy Reese is a self-professed seventies fanatic and frequently nods to the Me Decade with her collections. Three 1978 issues of L Officiel sent to Reese by a former intern gave rise to her new Resort lineup. "That s when all the great volume was happening and the sun was always shining," she said. "I love the quality of light in those editorials." An accordion-pleated chiffon racer-back dress and basketweave-print silk palazzo pants paired with a matching tie-neck blouse captured the breezy spirit she was going for.
As a contemporary designer, Reese is vigilant about keeping her price point affordable. At an appointment, she held up a piece of beautiful taffeta that goes for $40 per yard and explained how she went back to the mill with the swatch in hand and demanded a similar fabric for $14. The resulting material is ultra-lightweight with a metallic sheen and turned up on a winning party frock with a bubble skirt and low, crossover back.
