The Tamesis
The arrival of new trends does not eliminate those already at work. Tracy Reese is one of the many designers who doesn’t want to see scarf clothing disappear. For her fall collection, she developed many soft silk-inspired prints using florals, paisleys, and geometric patterns; she also hand-painted a larger-than-life collectible antique design Looking for a glimmer of hope, “Because we need it now.” The biggest draw is the indigo and white bandana print, which is also applied in tones on stylish trench coats.
Scarf prints also appeared on the inside plackets of button-down shirts, some with elegant “Hope for Flowers” monograms. These fit in with the uniform/nautical part of the collection. “I’m a big print mixer,” says Reese, who makes many two-in-one dresses that tie a navy top to a patterned body.
Romance is another fall theme expressed through floral patterns, without which the Hope for Flowers collection would not be complete. And there’s lace, a quality the environmentally conscious Reese found that met her standards. Ruffled collars, ruched sleeves, bows and fitted tank tops add a vintage feel that comes from Reese’s research into “the image of black women in the late 1800s,” which influenced the silhouettes and prints. “I think I’ve reached an age where I like vintage and classics,” she said. “I want these pieces to be in people’s wardrobes for as long as they want to wear them.”
