Reiss (London, UK)

The problem with shopping, especially in a big city, is that it can be incredibly frustrating and tedious. The cheaper retail chains are usually too crowded whereas fancy designer stores can be slightly intimidating. What to do, if you need something chic or just want to get a little style inspiration? In the past years, I've found premium high street brands to be the perfect solution. These labels are on the rise and getting more popular by the minute. Even Zara and H&M have more sophisticated pricier sisters (Massimo Dutti and COS respectively) and I'm guessing it's because people are sick of lesser quality trend items but also refuse to drain their bank accounts for luxury designer goods. Reiss is one such brand that pretty much paved the way for many other stores of its kind, especially in the UK. Although years ago, I first deemed the collections to be a little bland, I've since changed my mind drastically and realized how incredibly stylish the pieces actually are.

Reiss FW09 lookbook (individual images: Reiss).

'1971' FW09 lookbook (individual images: Reiss).

Reiss was founded in 1971 by David Reiss who took over his father's gentlemen's outfitters in Bishopsgate and turned it into an empire, first specializing only in men's tailoring, then decades later introducing a women's wear collection in 2000. The idea was to offer people, clothes of impeccable quality and design, but without the hefty price tag associated with luxury labels. The pieces you'll find are timeless, chic, very well-made yet still modern, fresh and fun. The latter was enforced even more so, when a few months ago, Reiss launched their '1971' line, which boasts a collection of slightly more youthful and urban pieces, including a range of jeans.

Overview of the store near the entrance... how can anyone reach those bags on the shelf? (left). Jeans and accessories from the '1971' range (right).

Day dresses near the stairs (left) and more accessories including animal print bags and shoes (right).

Even though I had visited various Reiss stores over the years (there are over 20 in London alone), I had never bothered checking out the main flagship and global headquarters, which opened its doors in 2007. Conveniently located in the heart of London near Oxford Street, it's actually one of the most easily accessible but strangely also least crowded high street stores I've ever visited (just look at the pics). At the time I went, the '1971' range had just been released and was due to be unveiled during a launch party the same evening, but thankfully all the pieces were already in-store. What first caught my attention though - even as I approached the gigantic glass building - was just the sheer size of the boutique. It's two-storeys high and depending on where you are on the ground level, the ceiling and windows go right up to the second floor, giving the impression you're standing in an atrium. Needless to say that browsing here was very pleasant: the area was brightly lit, there was plenty of room and all items were neatly laid out.

More from the '1971' range, including this fantastic studded bag and some cool boots.

I always have a hard time choosing my favorite items from Reiss, just because almost everything I find can somehow be integrated into a daily wardrobe or would make a great statement piece for the evening. The coats are beautifully tailored, the knits are thickly woven and there are so many simple yet stylish dresses, blazers and tops, that creating any outfit is a breeze. But in my magpie state of mind, I felt myself gravitating towards the shiny sequined pieces and studded items. A lot of these, including an incredible gray leather jacket, as seen in the lookbook collage above (cut almost like Rick Owen's pieces) and cool zippered skinny jeans are part of the '1971' collection.

The main shoe and bag section... a dangerous place (left). Loved the studded heels (above) and the suede booties (lower right).

What impressed me most were the accessories though. I had no idea they had such a large range: faux snakeskin heels, studded bags, cashmere scarves, sequined elbow-length gloves... anything you could possibly think of was prominently displayed around the store area. I saw the most classic pair of thigh-high suede boots (i.e. one of the few that won't make you look like a 'Pretty Woman') and some very charming 40s inspired feathered head pieces. Other standout items were the sequined dresses (very bling, but perfect for the evening) and a cream-colored fake-fur gilet.

Notice the lack of people? And no queues at the cash desk (right).

The screen on the left showed looks from the campaign and runway (left). More lovely accessories (right).

I decided to take a quick peek at the men's section as well - one floor up. As expected, tailoring is Reiss' strength in this area, considering menswear is where it all started. Lots of beautiful suits hung alongside more casual jackets, comfortable sweaters and fitted coats. But if there's one item I couldn't take my eyes off, it was the cool bikes by Orlowski and a few other brands. I spotted at least four of them, all proudly displayed on the tables together with the clothing, or near the shelves. I'm guessing they were for sale, so in case you need a ride to go with your stylish outfit, this is the place to come.

The menswear section on the first floor... a melting pot of bikes and clothes...

For immediate browsing, you can head to their online store, though I had a hard time figuring out whether or not they deliver globally. But as Reiss has been expanding rapidly in the last years and plan to open over 200 more stores in the next year, chances are they'll be opening a flagship near you if they haven't already. Be warned though, it's a dangerously tempting place to go to, even if you don't plan on spending any money. Speaking of which, I'll have to check on that fur vest... and perhaps that studded bag...

A selection of FW09 runway looks (images: Reiss).

A few shoes/accessories, including (from top left): studded suede booties, studded leather gloves, sequined scarf, embellished pouch, gold sequined belt, feathered head piece and feathered headband (images: Reiss).

Address: 10 Barrett Street, London W1U 1BA
Opening Hrs: Mon-Sat: 10:30-19:00, Sun: 10:30-18:00
Reiss Homepage and Online Shop