Billy Reid has been making expertly crafted clothes for more than 20 years now, and has cornered the market on rugged, lived-in luxury. The brand uses French, Japanese, and Italian fabrics to curate clothes that are built to last and has maintained its focus on its ethos: a careful balance of sustainability and artisanship. With clientele like Daniel Craig, Ethan Hawke, and Idris Elba, they have long become a go-to for men seeking slightly western, almost vintage feeling, timeless staples.
Their southern roots continue to be a source of inspiration; Reid himself grew up in Louisiana, and their headquarters are located in Florence, Alabama—just across the Tennessee River from Muscle Shoals. Drawing inspiration from its musically rich community, the brand hosts an annual multicultural weekend festival called the Shindig Festival: a crossroads of fashion, music, friends, southern food and local artists.
This unique combination of deep loyalty to its roots and universal, quality classics has proved a successful formula for the brand, which has won no less than four CFDA Fashion Awards.
Below, the designer walks us through the inspirations behind his latest collection.
Curated by LEO, sponsored by
NAME: Billy Reid
CITY: Florence, Alabama
COMPANY: BILLY REID
WHAT’S INSPIRING YOUR COLLECTION NOW (FALL 2021):
Our surroundings here in the South. The art, the music, the people, and community all around us in Florence, Alabama, near Muscle Shoals.
CURRENT MUSE:
I’m inspired by Lonnie Holley: artist, musician, songwriter, based here in Alabama.
MUSIC TO WEAR YOUR CLOTHES TO:
Eclectic. Anything from old soul to Leon Bridges.
CAR TO WEAR YOUR CLOTHES IN:
Old Jeep. I have a 1998 Wrangler that’s been a constant through a lot of major things in my life.
DESTINATION FOR THE GUY WEARING THESE CLOTHES:
A road trip through the Alabama art belt, home to some amazing and inspiring artists.
FAVORITE ACCESSORIES TO PAIR WITH THE COLLECTION:
Ball cap, distressed boots.
CURRENT UNIFORM:
Moleskin Jeans, Heirloom Pique Polo, distressed leather jacket.
