The occasion

The first Reiss store was opened in 1971 and specialised in European, quality tailoring in the City of London. The fashion house has continually advanced its vision of being a directional and design-led brand and by 2000, Reiss had its own in-house design team and studio, cementing its design credentials and expanding its unique offering into a complete range of women’s-wear, as well as menswear and accessories. The 1971 collection signifies the underlying evolution-come-revolution of the Reiss brand…

With the promise of a fresh, youthful range coming to Reiss, we were eager to see what the new collection included (and how much it would set us back to buy something!) The long awaited 1971 Reiss range was finally revealed at the Nottingham (Byard Lane) store on 15^th October, with an invite-only launch party which made us feel very VIP!

Great Atmosphere

Upon entering the store, the modern individual vibe was in full flow, with live performances from both bands; The Cedars and The Avengers, along with a number of DJ’s playing music to accompany the free champagne that the guests were sipping. With the edgy new range being named after the year that music and fashion started to collide, the music on the night certainly embodied the spirit of that particular year.

The store itself was buzzing with friendly and helpful staff, who were offering endless advice to eager customers, with the promise of 10% off on all purchases on the night & a free gift bag, who wouldn’t be excited?! Rosie Coverini, a 19 year old student at Nottingham Trent University, agreed. “There’s a good vibe here, the staff are really friendly, and it’s such a good promotion with 10% off. It has definitely has persuaded me want to buy something I’ve got my eye on!”

The collection itself is aimed at a slightly younger, more casual customer than normal for Reiss, with the man behind the brand, David Reiss, stating it was created because the brand “wanted to be cooler, edgier and provide a complete wardrobe.”  The range also includes its first significant denim range, which is a world apart from their norm of great tailoring.

The range

For the men there are three new denim jean fits, all treated to create a unique texture and feel (and they look a lot more individual than your standard high street jeans!). The casual theme is continued with shirts worn as jackets, printed tees, modern biker jackets and chunky knit scarves, which adorned the giant blown-up poster boards on display around the store. The bands playing on the night were also showcasing the key pieces of the new men’s range, including a very stylish navy military jacket which a number of girls were eyeing up for their boyfriends!

For the ladies the look is traditional with a twist, with tailored pieces being combined with chunky zips, studs, and special washes and finishes. The key colours of the range are evidently black, vintage blue and grey, with splashes of nudes and pinks to brighten up those winter months. Prices start at twenty-five pounds for a printed logo tee, but armed with 10% off and student loans in our banks, we couldn’t resist looking at some of the more costly, and detailed, pieces including an amazing black and gold zip dress (one for the Christmas list!).

Shopper’s response

Collectively, the new pieces looked amazing lined up in the 1971 Reiss section of the store and guests from the night agreed with us. Vidya, a 24 year old student at Nottingham Trent commented, “There are some lovely wearable pieces in the range, and a good choice of colours for winter”. Her friend, Sonia, 22, also studying at Trent, commented that “the display of the accessories is not like normal high street stores; because it’s different it makes you want to buy them!”, and I’m certain a lot of spent out guests would agree. With damaged bank balances and goody bags galore, we all stumbled home satisfied with a new found love for 1971 Reiss.

• Students receive 10% at the Nottingham store (Off Bridlesmith Gate) until mid November on production of a valid student card.
• Check online for pictures and info on the new 1971 Reiss collection at: www.reiss.co.uk

Article by: Joanna Lucy Thompson
Photography by: Jo Wright

http://www.reiss.co.uk/1971/

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