During the pandemic, Billy Reid has been managing his worldwide business from a cabin in Florence, Ala.
Brett Warren
Textual content dimension
For one particular winner of American design, the epicenter of fashion is not Manhattan or L.A. As an alternative, Billy
Reid
has been operating his worldwide enterprise from a cabin in
Florence,
Ala., the place he and his loved ones mounted themselves at the start out of the pandemic.
From that bucolic setting, Reid oversees a crew of 120 that operates 15 suppliers, a worldwide wholesale operation, and a accredited eyewear line. “We’re extra organized than when we were being three toes apart from every single other,” claims the 56-year-old.
Soon after 2020’s annus horribilis—Reid’s full loved ones fell unwell, and his shops shuttered—“things have been likely fairly very well,” states the designer, whose stock in trade is workwear-inspired parts in lush materials with luxe touches. “We’re nearly again to pre-Covid levels,” claims Reid, who introduced his collection in 1998.
Customized garments has viewed “a serious uptick” more than the previous couple months, he says—a response, potentially, to the sweatpants and athleisure gear that felt ubiquitous by way of the pandemic. “People are starting up to have individuals occasions and gatherings, and want to acquire factors. It is excellent to see.”
Reid’s bottom line also obtained a improve from a large-profile supporter, actor Daniel
Craig,
who bought Reid’s smooth melton-wool peacoat from the designer’s London store a 10 years in the past. When a scene in 2012’s Skyfall named for a peacoat, Craig insisted on wearing Reid’s model. “The piece has been in our assortment since 2001,” Reid says. “Daniel wore it in a 15-minute scene. And it went viral.”
The coat however sells out, and 2021’s No Time to Die gave it another strengthen. “It stays our No. 1-marketing piece, and it’s having us months to catch up on backorders,” Reid suggests. Offer-chain problems have plagued other components of the organization, much too. “It’s been a nightmare,” he states. “Everything’s a obstacle, and it’s occurring at every degree.”
Reid is set to launch a collection of brand name partnerships in 2022, which includes property-furnishings, athletic, and new music assignments. “They’re all collaborations with good individuals that I can not mention just however,” he claims.
Right after Covid compelled its cancellation, Reid could also revive his Shindig competition this summer. Since 2009, the Florence occasion has featured manner, foodstuff, art, and performers like
Jack White
and Alabama Shakes. “We’ve experienced a two-year hiatus. I hope we arrive back.”
Reid shared a handful of of his beloved points with Penta.
The merchandise that signifies my individual model is… my glasses. They are the
Billy Reid
brand name, produced in Japan, motivated by a pair of 1950s American Optical glasses I purchased at an estate sale across the avenue from my dwelling.
The designer who inspires me most is…
Ralph
Lauren was the to start with designer to encourage me. Any American designer would likely solution the exact same way. When I labored for Saks, I opened
Ralph Lauren
outlets for them in Texas. I became a fanatic. I have these kinds of fond memories of Ralph, way too. When I achieved him, he could not have been kinder.
“American fashion” means… having the globe of workwear and personalized garments and putting them collectively. You make a excellent wardrobe based on that. It is how I developed my have wardrobe.
The to start with piece of clothes I sold with my name on it was… a denim shirt, for [Dallas retailer]
Stanley
Korshak, less than the
William Reid
label. I produced 36 of them. Then I received [L.A. retailer]
Fred Segal
as an account. The subsequent time, we had 37 accounts. Then I moved my small business to New York, and experienced my 1st runway demonstrate on Sept. 10, 2001. All the things fell aside following that. I moved back to Alabama to reset my life, and relaunched Billy Reid in 2004. I wanted to design my operate all-around my lifetime, not vice-versa. Fortunately, it is labored.
Each and every visitor to Florence should really see… [legendary music spot] Muscle mass Shoals. Check out the documentary. What transpired here, and what even now does, I discover one of the greatest tales in all of songs.
The three items each and every male have to have in his wardrobe are… I’m a traditionalist at coronary heart. A navy blazer—one that suits you—is even now the crucial issue to use. And a pair of great-fitting denims. And a splendidly-fitting Oxford shirt. You can build from all those a few factors.
The major vogue slip-up that gentlemen make is… when they don’t use the clothing, but the outfits dress in them. It’s what occurs when men really don’t know what matches. The pants are ultra-baggy and puddling. The jacket’s to his knee. When we see a gentleman in our shops and we can introduce him to anything that suits, we’ve acquired him.
The textbooks you will see on my nightstand are… normally layout books. So right now, Thornton Dial: Thoughts on Paper by
Bernard Herman.
Dial was a folk artist. Hippie by
Barry Miles,
a fantastic layout-culture reserve. Down to Earth: Laid-Back again Interiors for Modern-day Living by
Lauren Liess.
And Textile Types – Artists’ Textiles 1940-1976 by
Geoffrey Rayner.
The one factor I would like I experienced not built is… [laughs] far too quite a few to mention. Let’s say alligator gar printed bikini tops.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.