 |
| Fashion designer Brian Reyes hosts a trunk show in Buckhead |
"We do trunk shows quite often," Reyes said. "We designate this time because spring gives us a longer time to design."
The unique look of Reyes clothes has attracted A-list celebrities who have donned his pieces during some of the most important events in the entertainment industry. Mega Star Beyoncé was one of the first among the rich and famous to wear his clothes in the album spread for B-Day. Estelle, British singer, was spotted wearing a red skirt from his spring collection in O.K. Magazine. Tina Fey wore one of his dresses to the SAG Awards and Eve, actress and fashion designer, is one of his most loyal customers.
"We dress Hollywood. That's what great about being a young designer. I'm not limited to just one genre. Look at Tina Fey, it is great because she is a comedian and that's a different walk of life " he said. "Ultimately, I do want to be a part of pop culture. "
Reyes does trunk shows at various boutiques in the U.S., but it was his first time in Atlanta. Posted up at the W Hotel in Buckhead during a champagne reception Reyes got the chance to meet some of his clients and the who's who of Atlanta fashion. He soaked up the scene as eager fashion lovers bought clothes off the rack and drooled over accessories worn in his latest show.
"It's very important to meet customers, because when I'm designing I want to know who to have in mind. You want to know their style and what they like," Reyes said. "I want to know how old the ladies are and what they do."
Atlanta welcomed Reyes with open arms with one customer alone spending a whooping $5,000 worth of pieces during the champagne reception. It is no surprise his clothing appeals to the fashion sense of the Atlanta woman. His pieces are made of soft fabrics that do not intrude on the freedom of the body, perfect for the Atlanta heat and humidity. He uses fabrics like silk to display his love of nature. The tones are subtle, almost muted, with sharp bursts of color. His designs do not overwhelm the eye, but instead invite an examination of the organic lines and nature inspired hues. for Spring he channeled the drastic forces of nature like those in the desert and tectonic plates that are constantly changing our world.
"We also looked at Ethiopia, one of the lowest places in the world. We were inspired by a tribe in Ethiopia that uses painting like body art. It has a very tribal element," Reyes says. "They put flowers in their hair for decoration I was inspired by the flowers they are incredibly organic and beautiful. There is also a lot of Muslim influence in Ethiopia and some of the art looks like a mosaic."
 |
| A model wears a piece from the Brian Reyes S/S collection |
His spring collection takes the eye on a trip to the desert through the jungles of Columbia and ends in Ethiopia. The palette moves from white and brown, and ends in shades of red. He says the colors stem from life.
"I like the idea of going from nothing to color," he said. "The inspiration is derived from nature and different sensibilities. Geological changes friction. Everything is connected, building on one another and comes down to emotion."
Reyes worked for Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors and Oscar De La Renta. He started as an assistant in boys design at Michael Kors, then in men's wear at Ralph Lauren. His next move took him to Oscar De La Renta where he could finally indulge in women's wear designing lingerie and sunglasses. Now, in his own collection the influence of De La Renta is present in the fabrics and drape of the more elegant pieces.
"I really like elegant fabrics, but a lot is very much sports wear," Reyes said.