Featured Designer: Brian Reyes By Emily Rogers

Brian Reyes grew up dividing his childhood between New Jersey and his parents’ homeland in Bogota, Colombia. Reyes later began his profession when he acquired his first design job as an assistant for Ralph Lauren Boys. The self-taught designer advanced to the position of men's designer wear at Michael Kors to launch the highly successful men's ready-to-wear collection. This young designer’s aptitude led him to the assistant of Oscar de la Renta where, at the young age of twenty four, he discovered his true calling. There, he perused his own elegant style when he launched a women's ready-to-wear collection of his own. As he made the bold choice to go out on his own, the fashion industry was introduced to a cultivated designer who offers a refined style full of graceful sentiments.

In 2006, Brian Reyes was one of only 6 designers chosen to receive the Ecco Domani Fashion award and since then, we have seen his designs among the red carpet and throughout Hollywood worn by actresses such as Rachel Bilson and America Ferrera. With this great achievement Reyes focused on creating wearable, versatile pieces that would appeal to mother and daughter alike. Reyes believes there is room in a young woman's closet for elegant American wear.

Having launched his self-named line, it then lead him to landing his designs in stores like Barneys, New York and Nordstrom. Since his designer wear has hit the celebrity craved stores he has caught the attention of young stars all over. “He attends to every detail of his designs,” says Beyonce Knowles, who chose to wear a crystal-and-wood-beaded Reyes top for her 2007 tour publicity photos, “So you can always have the perfect fit.”

Since Reyes started his solo career with a smash in 2006, he has continued to influence his early experience by designing for the uptown set. This young designer is doing just fine on his own for the simple reason that he stands out in a mix of superabundant young designers trying to keep up, as they are anxiously waiting for others to take notice of their work as well.

One of Brian's signature silhouettes is tight on the bodice with a pouffed bubble skirt, offering a youthful wisp of romance with a soft edge. With his 2008 collections producing feminine wearable pieces that stand out above other designer wear, it's proof that what lies ahead for 2009 will only bring tasteful yet inspirational style to the table.