With an innate desire to create beautiful things, Detroit native Tracy Reese headed for Manhattan in 1982 to attend Parsons School of Design where she received an accelerated degree in 1984. Upon graduation, Reese apprenticed under designer Martine Sitbon while working for the small contemporary firm, Arlequin. Reese worked at some of the industry’s top fashion houses, including Perry Ellis where she was the design director for Women’s Portfolio.

In Spring 1998, Reese launched her eponymous collection to rave reviews. Perfect for the modern woman, Reese’s debut showcased ultra-feminine pieces layered with intelligent nostalgia, charm and luxury; a distinctive look that the designer has since become known for.

The designer’s second line, plenty by Tracy Reese, was introduced later that same year. A bohemian, ethnic-inspired collection that is of-the-moment, yet never trendy, plenty by Tracy Reese comprises pieces that unite myth and modernity with a rock-and-roll twist. The collection is both eclectic and adventurous, featuring Reese’s signature detailing.

In 2007 Reese was inducted as a board member of the CFDA; and over the past decade, the Tracy Reese name has become synonymous with frothy dresses and print driven heirloom fare that women across the globe can’t get enough of. Reese’s eye for detail and extensive knowledge of color, fabric and form continue to be evident each season as she consistently reveals timeless, wearable looks that evoke sophistication and elegance. Reese’s approach is deliberate, combining modern craftsmanship with vintage flair, creating a look that is clearly her own.

Both Tracy Reese and plenty by Tracy Reese have expanded into several brand categories. Tracy Reese footwear feature ladylike silhouettes in luxurious leathers with exquisite detailing; while the whimsical, feminine and eclectic, plenty brand now includes a home collection and candles. Reese added a third collection to her line up, frock!, comprised of fun and flirty occasion dresses that easily transition from day to evening.

Tracy Reese has become a mainstay in the fashion industry as she continues to develop a strong design philosophy by staying true to her specific point of view. Reese has collaborated with several top brands including Sally Hansen, Hue and most recently, a line of footwear, plenty by Tracy Reese for Keds, debuting in spring 2009.

Bright colors, unique prints and intricate patterns define Tracy Reese, plenty and frock! A consistent fashion favorite amongst industry insiders, celebrities and fashionistas alike, Reese crafts finely detailed looks that make a statement and are easy to wear, garnering the attention of the nation’s top media.

Tracy Reese, plenty and frock! are sold nationwide in top department stores and specialty boutiques as well as retailers throughout Europe and Asia.

To see the latest collection from Tracy Reese: Tracy Reese

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Last week Naomi Campbell launched the first leg of her ‘Relief for Haiti’ fashion show fundraiser in New York. Campbell hit the runway with everyone from Chris Brown, Helena Christensen, Donna Karan and Kelly Osbourne to help raise money for the earthquake victims. “The rebuild is a long job,” she told Reuters. “It’s something that has be ongoing”.

The show was opened by Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, who paid tribute to Alexander McQueen whose outfits were set to contribute to the show before the announcement of his death was made. “To Alexander McQueen, thank you,” she said before the models and celebrities walked on the runway in labels like Jean Paul Gaultier and Christian Dior.

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It takes a lot to make New York stop and take notice but when ARISE came to town for the African Fashion Collective show at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week it not only paid attention, it stood up and applauded too. The ARISE runway showcased four designers (Tiffany Amber, Stoned Cherrie, Xuly Bet and Momo) as well as international cast of models includedg Alek Wek, LIya Kebede, Oluchi, Tyson Beckford, Chanel Iman and – drumroll please – the imitable Grace Jones.

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ARISE is the first global magazine dedicated to African fashion , music, culture and polity.

To see more of Arise Magazine click here: ARISE MAG

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Fashion design has always been a very competitive field to break into, better yet become success in. With today’s slumping economy retailers have also been affected and have laid of over 1 million workers. So what does a young talented fashion design student, who is investing over 50k into his or her future do? Well why not try debuting your talent at the world’s hottest fashion week. Director of Fashion Academy Art University-Simon Ungless says “New York Fashion Week is the pinnacle of American fashion.” 

The world renowned Academy of Art University each year’s selects students to showcase their designs at Mercedes Fashion Week. This season the Academy selected 6 students to showcase at Bryant Park. This gives these rising stars a leg up before leaving school, by either possibly landing a job at a major clothing company or fielding clothing orders for their designs. With many big name companies going bankrupt students have to look at every option coming out of school.Simon Ungless has noticed that more than 30-35% of new students are looking to start their own business instead of going to major clothing brands. Where are they looking for these opportunities well to the future the “web”? With on-line ordering reaching several million during holiday season alone it is a great choice to look to the World Wide Web as the new retail store.

One of this year’s design students Steve Oo went from virtually a no name to a recent write up in The New York Times and Women’s Wear Daily. Congrats to all the new rising designers much success in the future. 

Fashion Week New York

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Design Schools we highly recommend:

Academy of Art University

SCAD

The Art Institute of Chicago

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