Making an impact

AS the sun shines down and summer casuals are the order of the day, the major fashion brands are already gearing up to entice shoppers to check out their winter collections.

For autumn/winter 2010, the Reiss womenswear collection makes an impact with a fresh look at materials and attention to detail resulting in a varied offering.

Hard-edged tailoring mixed with soft feminine details and an undercurrent of military chic with luxurious textiles, create a rich and arresting array at the brand's Bahrain City Centre store.

Silhouettes are sharp but well proportioned, with an emphasis on sculpted forms, paneling and the waist. Strong lines and military inspired shapes are softened by the recurrent use of silk, lace and highly-worked pieces.

Hemlines drop this season with skirts moving to a longer, leaner A-line and full-length day and evening dresses are introduced. There are an assortment of trousers from luxe slouch to skinny leg with a strong focus on the flattering ankle skimmer.

Dresses take on a new look with elegant eveningwear worn as daywear and skirts taking on a more voluminous fluidity. Novelty necklines bring sensuality to the collection framing the collarbone with body skimming draping and deep v-necks.

The fit and flare shape reclaims its popularity, along with long, lean military inspired overcoats with oversized collars and brushed metallic buttons. Luxe parka and aviator jackets have fur trims, masculine Crombies have leather binding and panelling and casual jackets come double breasted and belted with motorcycle detailing.

The colour palette is sophisticated, rich and vibrant. New luxury shades work their way into the collection, beginning with pearl, mink and blush reinforced by camel, fawn and biscuit which provide aesthetic warmth. Indulgence is found in dark jewel tones, such as deep pacific blue, indigo and violet, charged by waves of fuchsia, magenta and lipstick red.

Khaki, stone and slate grey are heavily featured on casual and outerwear and intensify the androgynous edge to the collection. Liberating the palette from convention are the gold, copper and bronze metallics that glow on the base of black, cream and grey.

The collection also has a small scale and abstract animal print on the periphery of a heavy lace emphasis. Foil and light lace make for a feminine look on tops and dresses but can also be found in panelling on outerwear. By contrast, panelling can also be seen in Toscana sheepskin and leather.

Reiss' 1971 label has grown up this season. Evolving from a denim-led collection, it embodies the rebellious spirit of a woman with her own style and attitude.

Longer length maxi dresses with cropped motorcycle jackets feature strongly, as do quilting and heavy metal trims. New denim introductions include the legging, motorcycle jean and side-buckle styles, with the addition of washes from raw indigo through to soft dolphin, light putty and a gutsy magenta.

Animal prints work alongside lace and gold foil snakeskin prints while sparkle finishes work their way into denim and lurex knits; all accented with metal embellished components.

A key look includes a silk animal print shirt worn with magenta ankle length jeans and Mongolian fur jacket in rich indigo, which illustrates a relaxed but super-luxe way of dressing.

Accessories follow the style of the mainline collection in a charming manner. Texture plays out with the use of leathers, faux-fur, feather, sheepskin and modern weaves. For shoes, a faux-fur trim, lace-up boot is a must have, as is the wedge, which comes stacked and jewel encrusted.

Statement bags include The Bleecker, a day bag which comes in large and oversized. The Duke, a more structured shoulder bag with adjustable length chain strap; and The Barrett, a practical satchel with a unique detachable chain strap.

Reiss in Bahrain comes under the umbrella of Landmark International (LMI) which is spearheading Landmark Group's next expansion stage, sourcing, securing and rolling-out internationally fashion and lifestyle brands in the Middle East.

Established in 1998, REISS has more than 60 stores in the UK and opened its first store in the US in 2005. Following that stores success, the brand has now opened six more stores across the US. REISS was launched in the Middle East in 2005 and is also has stores in Hong Kong and Malaysia.