What is the Tracy Reese aesthetic for this fall?
Basically, it's girl meets boy. We always do a feminine thing, but we are making it more current this season with a little boy added in. We showed knee socks and oxfords. We did a lot of pattern mixing for our first delivery of fall. We added in tuxedo jackets and cool beading and there are lots of triangles to play on argyle. We took a picture from an old Sonia Delaunay painting [a French textile designer known for strong prints and geometric shapes] and we worked it our way - art deco, graphic designs. It's all very nouveau.
How important will the defined waist be for fall? What is it about the silhouette that is quintessentially feminine?
I think it's really important. This is an awesome year for belts. But I don't think people are comfortable buying super-fitted garments if they are not stretchy, so comfort has to come in. But for a lot of people their waist is their best asset. It brings to mind an hourglass shape and that's always about femininity.
Paisley or plaid?
We are in plaid now, but we are moving into paisley.
Peep toes after September?
Oh, definitely. You can wear peep toes all year long. Especially if they are platform.
What accessory complements your collection best?
I think beaded necklaces. Beaded necklaces are not going away. They are a great way to upgrade your look. It's no-fuss, too. You don't have an armload of jangly bangles, or heavy rings that you can't write with.
When it comes to a splash of color, what color makes the best splash?
Bright poppy red. It's almost pinkish. There are a lot of shoes in this color (for fall), but not in patent leather. I'm kind of tired of patent.
Envelope clutch or tote?
If you are carrying an envelope clutch, you will need a tote to put the rest of your stuff in (she laughs) - although I love the way envelope clutches look.
What should be every woman's go-to piece this fall?
A very versatile dress. Something you can wear to the office, reaccessorize, and wear to dinner or out to a show.
There is a lot of ruching and ruffles in the fall collections. Where is the most alluring place to put a ruffle on a woman's silhouette?
We've been playing around with them a lot on the armhole and on the sides of garments. The neckline is easy. . . . But I like how they look rippling down the seams on the sides of garments.
A-line or pencil skirt?
Pencil. There are so many things that are happening, and I think the pencil skirt is versatile to wear with a bat-wing sweater, or a belted peplum look.
What fall must-have can we take from spring?
The georgette dress. You can layer it up with tights or not. The bulk of our collection can be worn year-round. It depends on how you accessorize it, or how you layer it.