MOVERS AND SHAKERS: Brian Reyes, Designer
As a child, Brian Reyes split his time between the picturesque Andes of Bogota, Colombia and America. Often citing the landscape and topography of Colombia in his work, he draws color, texture and pattern from the region as inspiration for his collections. Reyes began his professional design career at the age of 19 as an Assistant Designer for Ralph Lauren, followed by Menswear Collection Designer at Michael Kors. In 2004, before launching his own collection, Brian joined Oscar de la Renta, where he continued to hone his design aesthetic and signature style.
He launched his eponymous ready-to-wear label in 2006 at the age of 24 to critical acclaim and media attention. Sophistication, femininity and modernity are at the core of the collection, coupled with novel shapes and extraordinary fabrics and colors.
A member of the CFDA, Brian Reyes’ designs have garnered editorial coverage in the world’s leading fashion magazines, and his talents continue to receive recognition. Vanity Fair profiled Reyes in their September 2008 issue as one of the “new class of design darlings” in an articled titled, “American Fashion’s New Guard”, where he was featured alongside fellow young American designers of his generation.
Quickly becoming a perennial Hollywood favorite, Brian has worked with a stable of actresses such as Jennifer Garner, Cate Blanchett, Rachel Bilson, Kate Hudson and Leighton Meester, to name but a few. They have become devoted fans of the collection and continue to wear Brian Reyes to premieres, press junkets, and public appearances worldwide. America Ferrera donned a custom made Brian Reyes gown at the 64th Annual Golden Globe Awards, propelling his success to new heights and further establishing him as a designer to watch. Peachy Deegan owns a Brian Reyes dress and considers it among her most favorite!
By balancing simplicity and embellishment, intricate embroidery and beadwork, and effortless elegance, Brian Reyes continues to create refreshingly innovative designs that appeal to women of all ages. Today, Brian Reyes has evolved into an international business with retailers including Barneys New York, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Intermix and leading specialty stores worldwide. We are pleased to present Brian Reyes as our latest Mover and Shaker.
Peachy Deegan interviewed Brian Reyes for Whom You Know.
Peachy Deegan: Who is your favorite person to dress and why?
Brian Reyes: I LOVE A WOMAN WHO LOVES GLAMOUR AND SENSUALITY , BUT ALWAYS WITH A MODERN FEEL. SHES CONFIDENT AND SURE IN HER SKIN. SHE LOVES THE EASE OF LIFE AND ISNT FUSSY.
What is your favorite piece that you have designed and what did you like about it?
IT’S DIFFICULT FOR ME TO PICK JUST ONE , BUT YOU’LL OFTEN SEE THAT I’M DRAWN TO UNIQUE COLORS, PRINTS AND TEXTURES WHICH SHOW UP IN MY WORK NEARLY EVERY SEASON, AND ARE INSPIRED BY MY LOVE OF NATURE, TOPOGRAPHY AND MY GENERAL SURROUNDINGS.
What is your favorite place to be in Manhattan?
AT MY STUDIO AND AT MY HOME NEARBY IN TRIBECA.
What is your favorite shop in Manhattan?
I AM A DESIGN AND PACKAGING JUNKIE SO I LOVE STORES THAT CATER TO THAT
What is your favorite drink?
STARBUCKS ICED DOPPIO AND VODKA TONIC
What is your favorite restaurant in Manhattan?
HAVE TO SAY IT’S A TOSS-UP BETWEEN BALTHAZAR, A CONSISTENT FAVE, AND ODEON BECAUSE IT’S IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD.
What has been your best Manhattan athletic experience?
RUNNING ALL AROUND THE CITY LUGGING GARMENT BAGS TO FACTORIES WHEN I FIRST STARTED OUT!
What is your favorite thing to do in Manhattan that you can do nowhere else?
GET ANYTHING YOU WANT OR NEED AT ANY TIME OF DAY OR NIGHT
What has been your best Manhattan art or music experience?
WYCLEF JEAN PERFORMED AT MY AFTER PARTY LAST SEASON. THAT WAS PRETTY AMAZING.
