Homage: Tracey Reese

Detroit native Tracey Reese is one of the most successful female designers in the fashion industry. Tracey’s love for fashion actually started while she was a young girl where she along with her sisters and mother would have contests to see who could finish an outfit first. Fast forward to 1982, Tracey entered New York City Parsons School of Design where she continued to sharpen her design skills. Two years after graduation she started her first label and quickly realized that she didn’t know enough about business and had to shut it down. This is when she demonstrated what I deem to be a quality that every leader possesses and that is that they don’t quit.

She came back with her line Tracy Reese, a collection of colorful, classy, feminine wear followed in late 2004 with the launch of Plenty Home, a line of bedding, curtains, and throws. “When I’m designing the line,” said Reese, “I always think about how I would love to have sheets in these fabrics, curtains in these fabrics.” Shoes and accessories came next, both of which were launched in the fall of 2005. By the end of 2005 her company had annual sales of $20 million.

Today, Ms. Reese is the epitome of feminine chic with not one but two lines, Tracey Reese and Plenty. She has a fabulous eye for details and her extensive knowledge of color and fabric allow her to continue to create timeless wearable pieces that the modern woman craves. She combination of modern craftsmanship and vintage flair creates looks that are distinctly her own.

Her focus and commitment to her craft led to her to be inducted as a board member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). Not one to rest upon her past successes, Tracey continues to expand her company. She’s added a third line called Frock, which contains flirty and fun dresses that can transition from day to evening.

I love strong, confident women who follow their passions and Tracey Reese definitely qualifies. She is only now hitting her stride and I predict that we will see many grand creations in years to come from this young designer.

Words by Golda Smith, Editor-in-Chief