Monday, February 22, 2010

First Things First with Billy Reid & Stetson

As the saying goes, “There is a first time for everything!”

As for you, this may be your first introduction to Billy Reid, the menswear label of rugged Southern sensibility, based in Florence, Alabama.

In turn, the Billy Reid Fall 2010 presents me with the first time to review such an extensive list of inspirations, which are abundantly interspersed with interesting fabrics—and all in one collection:

Classic American Clothing
40oz. Wool Melton Military Cloth
Heavy Needled Fell Seaming
29er's and Shiners
Horse Traders
Gutsy Hand Tailor Suits
Pentecostal Ministers
Lower East Side Folk
Dandy Lawyers
Swamp Loggers
Blazers and Chinos
Prohibition
Southern Prep
Sturdy Welted Hand-made Oxfords
Blanket Lined Outerwear
Boxcar Riders
Railroad Workers
Public Works Project
Crooked Politicians
Unwashed Chambray
Broken Down Twill
Stone Washed Non-fused Shirting
English Jacketing Tweeds
Oxford Grey Jean-Wool
Waterproof Field Boots
Waxed Quail Jacket
Ticking-Lined Fleece Letterman Cashmere Library Cardigan
Cordovan Lineman Jacket
Field-hand Jacket with Nutria
Waxed Cotton Brush Pant
Writer in Residence
Washed Oxford Button Downs
Classic American Clothing

This collection also marks a first for Billy Reid: the marriage of Billy Reid modernity with the sportswear of Stetson, a 200-year-old American hat brand.

John B. Stetson launched the “Hat of the West” with $100 in 1865, a time when hatters did not have a very good reputation; but Stetson changed all that, growing into one of the most reputable producers of hats.

There is a first time for everything!



Photos & Slideshow Copyright Billy Reid.