All dressed up

Paris by way of Florence, Ala.: Billy Reid mixes Southern spirit & Europeansophistication for fall

Even the casual looks look more formal in Billy Reid's fall 2012 collection
Photo by David X Prutting/BFAnyc.com
Billy Reid acknowledges the audience at the end of his runway show.
Photo by David X Prutting/BFAnyc.com
Womenswear is becoming more of a part of the Billy Reid collection each season.For fall, he envisioned a Charleston, S.C. woman with chic New York and Parissophistication.
Photo by David X Prutting/BFAnyc.com
Billy Reid camel wool/cashmere blanket coat with brown leather trim, camel/woolbrown bowler and leather clutch
Photo by David X Prutting/BFAnyc.com
Billy Reid navy/wool sport jacket with leather detail, oxford blue striped clubcollar shirt, gold mohair open-sweater and cordovan leather skirt
Photo by David X Prutting/BFAnyc.com

NEW YORK — Billy Reid has always been a good ol' Southern boy. But in his latest collection, set for fall, he's gone uptown and overseas.

As the winner of the prestigious CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund and the GQ Best New Menswear Designer in America awards, the Florence, Ala.-based designer has already pretty much conquered the New York fashion world. So for the first full-scale fashion show under his Billy Reid label, he's crossed over the Atlantic in search of a more sophisticated style to combine with his down home ways.

"For some reason it just felt right," he said afterwards about the collection's more formal feel. "Last season was so casual."

The fall 2012 collection he presented during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is dressier than his previous efforts. There wasn't a stitch of denim in the collection; no chinos either. Instead the menswear looks highlighted hand-tailored three-piece cashmere tweed suits, luxe dinner jackets in ivory and black, and parkas lined in mink-like nutria.

"For some reason it just felt right," he said afterwards about the collection's more formal feel. "Last season was so casual."

Reid said the collection was influenced by a trip with his wife to Paris and London, which may account for its Old World refinement.

While known for his menswear collections, Reid has been branching out more each season into a full-fledged womenswear line. He cited the influence of a "Charleston girl, (who) moves to downtown New York — then to Paris (where she) falls in love," for this collection. Among the terrific looks: A cobalt blue blazer and flared trousers, cropped bomber in distressed leather with an embroidered mohair pencil skirt, and a camel cashmere blanket coat with brown leather trim.

Reid said he is excited about moving his Houston store from The Galleria into a former antiques store located on Westheimer near Kirby. "It's a house with a kitchen," he exclaimed. "We've been nomads, back and forth looking for the right location. This environment works perfectly."

He plans to be in Houston for the opening late next month.

unspecified series568664021

EFFORTLESS EDIT

Shop Carolyn Bessette's minimal '90s style at these 8 Houston spots

Photo courtesy of FX/Facebook

Thanks to the show, "Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. And Carolyn Bessette," 90s minimalism is back and easy to find in Houston.

Thanks to Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, the woman who helped define ’90s minimalism is back in heavy rotation. Her classic way of dressing serves as a reminder that great style does not need logos or loud trends to make a big impact. Bessette-Kennedy's uniform of crisp white shirts, perfectly cut denim, and minimal accessories is not only nostalgic, but a stylish blueprint for getting dressed right now.

Houstonians don't need a NYC zip code or a Calvin Klein press badge to recreate her most classic looks. From River Oaks District to Rice Village and the Heights, boutiques are leaning into that same pared-back polish — making it easy to find a quietly expensive aesthetic without overthinking it.

Accessories

Lele Sadoughi

Bessette-Kennedy often topped off her casual outfits with a slim tortoise shell headband, and Lele Sadoughi, a boutique in River Oaks District, is leaning into similar timeless styles. The Tortoise Emma Acetate Headband and the Jet Faux Leather Bessette Headband are both available for preorder with similar styles available in-store.

Polished headbands and statement accessories with a timeless twist.Photo courtesy of Lele Sadoughi

Krewe

New Orleans-born Krewe eyewear in Rice Village is channeling '90s minimalistic style with slim, small-frame sunglasses that are reminiscent of Bessette-Kennedy's go-to pairs. Its Spring 2026 collection introduces the Kate and Leah styles, each offered in three colorways.

Krewe Sleek, small-frame sunglasses that channel effortless ’90s cool.Photo courtesy of Krewe

Fly High Little Bunny

This Houston go-to for one of a kind pieces offers a variety of both fine jewelry and classic sterling silver styles. Jeweled hoops, dainty rings, and minimal necklaces that were everyday staples of Bessette-Kennedy, are available at their Heights boutique.

Delicate jewelry and one-of-a-kind pieces for everyday minimalism.Photo courtesy of Fly High Little Bunny/Instagram

Moreau Paris

Often seen carrying a tote bag, the '90s fashion icon was a big fan of understated luxury. River Oaks District handbag boutique Moreau Paris offers a variety of bags in similar styles including the Mini Vincennes Reversible Totes giving a two-in-one option, as well as the Small Ana Saddle Leather Top Handle Bag for a more structured look.

Understated luxury handbags with clean lines and quiet sophistication.Photo courtesy of Moreau Paris

Clothing

Tootsies

When it came to denim, Bessette-Kennedy kept things classic, favoring straight and bootcut styles. At Tootsies, the brand DL1961 taps into that same timeless feel. The Bridget Boot High Rise Instasculpt offers a flattering polished fit and comes in a variety of colorways and lengths making it easy to find a pair for everyday wear.

DL1961 Classic denim fits and elevated staples for a polished, everyday look.Photo courtesy of DL1961

Alchemia

One of Bessette-Kennedy's most celebrated looks was a basic white button down shirt. She often wore Calvin Klein, as she was a publicist for the brand, but the same classic style can be found at Alchemia. The Essentials Icon Shirt in white is tailored at the waist, chest, and back to give a flattering fit without the dreaded blouse gape.

Tailored essentials, including the perfect crisp white button-down.Photo courtesy of Alchemia

Frock Shop

A versatile black midi skirt not only goes with everything, it can be worn during any season. Frock Shop carries the ALC Remy Drawstring Midi Skirt that is easy to style and comfortable to keep on a regular rotation.

Easy, versatile pieces like midi skirts that work season after season.Photo courtesy of Frock Shop

Beauty

Kiehl's

Used by both Carolyn and John, the Kiehl's Creme with Silk Groom delivers soft hold, subtle shine, and natural movement. Ideal for the sleek low buns Kennedy-Bessette favored as well as polished styles. Kiehl's Highland Village location also carries a scent very close to Kennedy Bessette's fragrance of choice. The Kiehl's Original Musk Eau de Toilette combines classic musk with with soft floral and woody notes.

Kiehl's Original Musk Eau de Toilette Low-key grooming and fragrance for a naturally polished finish.Photo courtesy of Kiehl's

kiehl's frock shop alchemia tootsies moreau paris fly high little bunny krewe lele sadoughi carolyn bessette-kennedy shopping

All dressed up

Paris by way of Florence, Ala.: Billy Reid mixes Southern spirit & Europeansophistication for fall

EFFORTLESS EDIT

Shop Carolyn Bessette's minimal '90s style at these 8 Houston spots

Retro futurism meets philanthropy as Houston museum gala raises $3.6M

Street corn shines at Houston's truffle-powered chef competition

DIY paradise VEVOR opens first global flagship store in Houston