How Tracy Reese selected to introduce her Hope for Flowers fall 2024 assortment—at a commerce present and never with a splashy runway manufacturing—mirrored the character of her most up-to-date designs: relaxed, pragmatic, and made to resonate extra so along with her buyer than with an editorial eye. “Runway exhibits had been a lot enjoyable,” she says. “We did that for 20 years and it was improbable, but it surely does form of pull you away a little bit bit from the precise wants of the shopper. You begin designing a little bit bit for editors, they usually’re manner forward of the curve by way of style. I all the time need to deliver the shopper ahead, however I need to provide her one thing that’s going to be helpful in her life.”
This season, that effort was realized to the tune of flowy cotton poplin blouses—some embellished with linen embroidery, others patterned with woodblock prints—and satin stand collar attire in darkish, summary florals. Pencil skirts in the identical cloth featured modern, dramatic bustles. Analysis on navy uniforms resulted in Reese’s model of a workwear set: belted double-breasted jackets and wide-leg trousers in linen. Using sustainable materials is a pillar of the model, and one such textile—an natural cotton rib sourced from the Netherlands—was employed for sweater attire, asymmetrical midi skirts, and boxy cropped polos. “That is our first ‘Made in Detroit,’ foray,” she mentioned of the items, noting that the model lately launched an apprenticeship for knowledgeable stitching geared toward getting the abilities in Detroit “as much as a worldwide commonplace.” A Motor Metropolis native, Reese has lengthy desired to in the future produce the majority—or the whole lot—of her assortment there.
A cotton-lined boiled wool was usual into an off-the-cuff outsized pullover (“we name it a popover,” Reese mentioned) but additionally employed for a mini shift costume with a dropped waist. Once more, garments made for a shopper with on a regular basis private {and professional} commitments. “My thrill is seeing an actual lady strolling down the road carrying our stuff,” Reese mentioned. “It is nice to decorate celebrities; crimson carpet is enjoyable. However how can I remedy issues for actual girls who’re spending hard-earned cash on our stuff?” These items are a method.
