Tracy Reese chose presentation style (as opposed to a traditional runway show) to debut her Spring 2018 line, but she wasn’t going to let her models just stand their and look pretty. Known for her mission to make every woman feel beautiful, Reese has been pressing for increased diversity in fashion far before this season. This year, the variety of real looking women paired with the full, vibrant looks of the collection prompted creative, inviting conversations of change in the industry.
When you walked into the room, it seems informally chaotic. Editors were mingling, buyers were contemplating, models lips were moving. The message was hard to uncover. But, after taking a few steps further and challenging my focus to narrow, I could tell there was something far more powerful than chatter coming from the mouths of the models. Reese explained to Vogue, “I wanted them to tell their stories about their journeys, their dreams, and their aspirations, in whatever language felt most natural to them”. My fashion week partner-in-crime and stylist, Christina, heard one of the models saying that she wished she was seen as more than a black woman – that she wanted people to talk to her and get to know her looking beyond just the color of her skin.
Reese made sure guests saw the women, not just the dresses when viewing garments. And with such a powerful message, Tracy stuck with simple, but still stand out, pieces. The undoubtably wearable collection had something for every woman regardless of age, shape, or size.
You can never go wrong with any dress that has elegant white florals on it.
The playful embroidered details on these neutral fabrics give a beautiful pop of color for those who enjoy bright shades but aren’t ready to commit to a solid piece.
This forever flattering nude number should be a staple in every woman’s wardrobe next spring.
This green might look like a challenging color to pull off, but the nude lining to break up the florals along with the flowing silhouette makes this dress effortless to wear.
A mixture of the summer essential dresses in fun Hawaiian inspired fabrics seen at the presentation. It was lovely seeing these up close in person, but I would also have enjoyed seeing how they moved on the runway (especially that sparkly one!).
Bold fuchsia was seen throughout the collection in everything from this structured peplum blouse to the statement blazer in the top photo.
Photos: Christina Stein Imberlina
While you’re waiting for these SS18 pieces to hit stores, shop some of my current Tracy Reese favorites below:
I may make a small commission if you click on or purchase from the styles below, but don’t worry all opinions are my own and I do adore these pieces!