THE SS16 REPORT

The promise of warmer climes, lighter layers and a summer-ready colour palette is upon us and as the months unfold, it's the bi-annual wardrobe refresh that's set to become top of everyone’s to-do list. Now is the time to cast your thoughts to the season ahead. As SS16 evolves, expect to see the Reiss womenswear collection place focus on premium fabrications and elegant shapes as well as modern, clean-cut tailoring.

The inspiration stems from vintage pieces and styles are re-worked for now, expertly redefining the beauty of a woman’s wardrobe. When starting out, the Reiss design team looked to cultural influences for reference, from the striking layering technique of artist Marlene Dumas to the movement of the work choreographed by dancer, Pina Bausch. The result is something meaningful and fashion-forward, and there’s a strong emphasis on the in-house element of the process.

SS16’s colour focus is an exploration of natural hues, with shades ranging from rich spices to soft, marble pastels. Deep forest greens and feminine blush pinks are key contenders, combining in an unexpected yet complimentary pairing that works in conjunction with the season’s nod to nature. Illuminating pops of colour brighten the all-round aesthetic and offer a simple yet effective way to bring personality to a look.

As with every season, SS16’s print designs are unique to Reiss and are created in-house, giving the collection its own authoritative identity. In cooler months, the darkly romantic Midnight Bloom print steals the spotlight. It’s inspired by the lines of an X-ray and is applied using a laser printing technique that chimes perfectly with the collection’s progressive attitude. As we move closer to summer, a travel-inspired Palm Springs design takes over, adorning fluid silhouettes and bringing a tropical edge to the collection.

There’s a strong focus on textures and fabrications, with luxe favourites moving away from their classic counterpart silhouettes and branching into more unexpected styles. We see suede and leather take centre stage in the first half of the season, this time re-worked in iconic Reiss dress shapes as well as jackets. Lace and silk are introduced later to offer a textural contrast that lends itself well to layering, and merino wool holds perennial status thanks to its soft and lightweight nature.

A safari influence states its claim on SS16, recurring in a softer, more city-ready guise than previously seen. Butter-soft suedes adopt a uniform approach, imagined in fluid silhouettes and adorned with oversized pockets and self-tie waist belts. Forest-green textiles fuse seamlessly with soft neutrals to reference the theme in an understated way.

Artful layering is also key, resulting in a feminine move-on from classic power dressing. Draped silhouettes and languid lines create movement and result in an easy elegance that feels altogether approachable. To embrace the look, think lightweight trench coats, silk neck ties and double-layer jumpsuits in spring-ready hues.

The most feminine of fabrics, lace, is re-worked for summer months, bringing with it a contemporary romanticism. Adorned with hand embroidery, it emphasises the in-house element of the brand and gives each style a sense of individuality. Complex layers add depth to the look and work beautifully when styled with the season’s soft accessories theme. Shoes and bags are inspired by vintage pieces and crafted using supple suede. Easy wrapped bows identify the look and offer a contemporary foray away from the norm. Hero styles include wrap-front heels and coordinating clutches in nude suede.

As high summer hits and event season washes over the calendar, it’s stand-out occasionwear that will steal the spotlight in our sartorial line-up. SS16 presents myriad opportunities to bolster any formal wardrobe and the collection offers a wealth of outfit options, from elegant dresses to modern separates. Arguably, every woman’s wardrobe should house the perfect cocktail dress, whether in response to a wedding invite, in prep for a day at the races or even with nothing particular in mind. Classic, floor-sweeping gowns capture something eternally elegant and in contrast, trend-focused prints adorn fit and flare silhouettes. Footwear takes a glamorous turn, welcoming an element of sparkle to the seasonal line-up and bags showcase unique craftsmanship. Look out for the hero evening clutch, adorned with individually stitched satin cording.

Swimwear is a pivotal element to any summer wardrobe and designs continue to develop, resulting in a more comprehensive collection than previously seen. Whether you favour structured or delicate fabrications, stand-out or pared-back designs, think of the Reiss SS16 collection as your shortcut to a successful holiday wardrobe. Delicate hardware is specifically created in-house and laser-cut techniques are adopted to bring a graphic element to simple shapes. Prints translate from the mainline collection but take on their own colourways. Rich kingfisher hues offset classic black and will fare perfectly well against the azure seas of a beach getaway. Pattern aside, there’s also a range designed with those more naturally minimal dressers in mind. Inspiration stems from the work of photographer, Slim Aarons and has a 1990s-inspired feel to it in both shape and colour palette.

In short, SS16 Reiss womenswear can be described as a collection of elegant, premium-quality designs created in-house from start to finish. The overall look is one of modern femininity and it strikes the balance between trend-led design and a classic, vintage-inspired aesthetic. The result is something fashion focused, fresh and altogether wearable.

SHOP THE COLLECTION