Billy Reid is known for his work with fabric and designs that reflect his Southern American roots. For his Fall/Winter 2016 menswear collection, he offered up an elevated look at his long-running aesthetic. The line felt easy, simple and effortless. A focus on cut and fabric removed the need for accessories or hardware, and each look that came out onto the runway looked more comfortable then the last. “I wanted things to be uncomplicated luxury,” Reid said backstage before his show. “We develop so many textiles, sometimes we let the art overshadow the message.”
Despite his need for simplicity, he didn’t limit his use of fabrics this season, but rather used them more carefully, opting for more texturized pieces like camel hair, jacquard, suede and shearling. A moss-colored waxed cotton pea coat, a shaved beaver vest and a series of horse-printed jacquard jackets highlighted his mastery of textiles.
Models came down the runway wearing loose-cut pieces that hung off their shoulders and pooled around their feet. Everything was oversized, but intentionally done, so it felt relaxed rather than sloppy. Knit trousers, wrap cardigans and cashmere beanies seemed as if they would be just as wearable on the couch as they would on the streets of New York.
