Tracy Reese
by Marilyn Kirschner | photographed by Yannis Vlamos

Tracy named her fall 2007 collection (which is all about ladylike sophisticated glamour), "Belle". Her color palette of choice could almost be summed up in two words, "Ebony and Ivory" though that was not the only story. There was also silver, chocolate brown, navy, and touches of magenta, strawberry, and rose. Her coats and outerwear are always distinctive (this season she loves easy frock coats, tunic coats, hooded coats, smock coats, coats and dresses). So to are her blouses (the ladylike bow blouse is going through a revival of sorts) and sleeves are getting full treatment (literally since puff sleeves look new once again).

Tracy's clothes are always very 'girlie girl' and this season was no exception. Hence, grosgrain pleats decorate a bone short frock coat, and a large bow is affixed to the back of a short 'Hershey' structured coat with short full sleeves. But it's the continual play and juxtaposition of masculine and feminine that makes things interesting, and a combination of the two elements could be found throughout. A silver lame pleated tunic was shown with black 'tux' shorts; a scoop—back shift dress was done in menswear inspired silver tweed; traditional black and bone herringbone was used for an a line jacket and pant.

Talk about mixing things up...Tracy is known for mixing modern with vintage and she did this very successfully. The collection was cohesive and well edited: everything was short and accessorized with her own collection of jewelry, handbags (black patent frame bags with gold chains and gold hardware), hats (Patricia Underwood for Tracy Reese), and shoes (high heeled black patent pumps or a rather mod black patent tall boot with a square heel).