Living out of a suitcase the past few months hasn’t been easy. It has, however, taught me two things: one, pack most (if not all) of your underwear/socks (on-the-go laundry is always challenging). Two: pack smart. (That means you won’t be needing your favorite ripped-up rocker tee, or those ombre Prada kicks.) The point here is essentials – think practical, be pragmatic. Yet if completely restricting yourself to a bare minimum and channelling Steve Jobs on a daily basis doesn’t sound appealing (I can think of nothing worse), what should you pack? After all, as the hymnodist William Cowper said, “variety is the very spice of life”.
Enter Reiss, the London-based brand that prides itself on directional, design-led mens and womenswear. Fusing design and function, Reiss sets itself apart by offering exceptionally crafted basics that are sleek, elegant and wearable. For my recent move to New York I selected a few pieces with the rare intention of really wearing them. All ‘work’ with each other – which is huge. The multi-paneled lambskin bomber jacket is decidedly ‘on-trend’ (think Varsity Blues), while the ombre polka-dotted shirt is playfully understated. In terms of shoes, know this: a good tasseled loafer will never go amiss. Basically, and as my new flatmate aptly stated, “all good clothes, like friends, must multitask.” Hear, hear!
– Alexander Atkins, photographed by Izzy Tuason, in Williamsburg, New York. Discover and shop the Reiss’ Spring/Summer collection here. Special thanks to Reiss.
