Billy Reid has become a household name in menswear and beyond. The effortless look of his clothes, yet impeccable attention to detail and patterns, have become sought after designs. How lucky are we that his home base is in North Alabama. With 18 stores across the country from Florence to Charleston to New Orleans, and retailers like Roosevelt&Co in downtown Huntsville carrying his designs, Reid's looks sets themselves a part from the pack of traditional menswear. His love for music also plays a integral part in his creative process. This love for music also founded the Shindig Festival, a weekend of music, food and culture in Florence in which people travel from allover the country to experience and one that should be on your bucket list.
What brought you to Alabama?
My wife is from the Shoals. My business was based in New York and I had a runway show during New York Fashion Week that was on September 10, 2001, the day before the 9/11 attacks. Everything begin to fall apart after that and we moved to Alabama to restart our life.
What inspired you to design clothes?
I couldn’t find things the way I wanted them and decided to start my own collection.
Where do you find your inspiration?
Everywhere and anywhere.
What fabric do you most love working with? Patterns?
I love developing our textiles and artworks into fabrics, which gives us our own fabrics that no one else will have in their collection.
Why do you love Alabama? The South?
I’m from here, it is home.
What legacy do you hope to leave on Southern fashion? On the fashion world in general?
I don’t think about legacy - I just want folks to love the pieces they get from us. I’ve really never considered what we do as Southern Fashion necessarily, I want the clothes to be worn where ever you may be. Fashion is not regional any more, in my opinion.
How does music inspire you?
Music is a constant for me and really just part of life. It sets the tempo and builds a backdrop for the collection.
Who have been some of your favorite musicians to style?
I love working with up and coming musicians we believe in and seeing them grow into their dreams. It’s cool to be a part of the process.
Most memorable moment of your career?
My favorites moments are seeing someone wearing the clothes, or hearing a story from a customer that we made their favorite piece.
How did Shindig become a passion and what do you love most about hosting this weekend of music?
Shindig began as way to bring influential people to the shoals, pour on the hospitality and have them spread the word through their media outlets. It’s always been about our community and how we can be a part of something bigger. That part of Shindig is still what drives us to keep it going.
What advice would you give to those who have no idea where to begin when it comes to building a wardrobe?
Get good things that fit you well and that you feel comfortable wearing. Seek versatility and pieces that can live with you.
Where can people find your brand in Alabama outside of Florence?
We have 18 of our own shops around the country and our website is open 24/7 365 days a year.
What advice do you have for the younger generation interested in going into fashion?
Learn! Know that even if you’re working in the stock room, you’re learning. My early years working for said fifth avenue is still foundational to what I do today. It is an industry that never stops teaching. Have a great work ethic and attitude and that usually wins.
Learn! Know that even if you’re working in the stock room, you’re learning. It is an industry that never stops teaching. Have a great work ethic and attitude and that usually wins.