Those of you who have visited the store in the past few weeks have probably noticed some oases of springy color – warm camel, lush jungle green – in the form of the Reece Hudson spring collection. Her innovative designs have the studied architecture of serious investment pieces and the cleverness and practicality of a fresh, young line – all made with leather so tender that we’ve heard customers gasp upon touching it. We’re very excited to add her to the growing roster of the Ladies of Castor & Pollux.

Designer Reece Solomon and her business partner, Max Stein, unveiled the first Reece Hudson collection just last spring. It didn’t take long for the internet to erupt in accolades at Reece’s simple and tactile luxury. The goal of the line, according to Reece, is to maximize the value of the bags without budging on quality and craftsmanship. Each New York-made piece is versatile, designed to be roomy enough for day while losing none of the sleek elegance appropriate for evening. Her current spring collection includes warm-toned riffs on the styles that first got our attention, with crocodile accents for some added rugged edge.

Read on to find out who – and what – inspires Reece.

Photo by John von Pamer

Favorite recipe?
My dad’s recipe for eggplant parmesan; my grandmother’s secret recipe for matzoh ball soup.

Last great book you read?
The Last of Her Kind, Little Bee, and The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo series.

Winter drink of choice?
Basil Hayden’s on the rocks.

Your animals – names and breeds?
A black and white parti Pomeranian named Georgia.

Do you exercise? What do you do, if so?
Yoga and a little running on the treadmill.

Salty or sweet?
Both.

Who inspires you and why?
My grandmother was my earliest inspiration when I was growing up. Today I’m inspired mostly by stylists such as Carine Roitfeld, Katie Grand, and Alex White, who really cultivate their own aesthetics. Most celebrities today are just products of stylists, so I don’t really find them too inspiring. I’ve always loved Jane Birkin’s style, she’s probably one of my biggest fashion icons, and I also admire some of the very few truly original fashion eccentrics of today, such as Daphne Guinness, Anna Dello Russo, and Catherine Baba.

Pool or ocean?
Ocean.

Favorite city?
Paris, where I studied abroad in college.

Last great vacation?
My trip to Paris for Fashion Week!

Favorite TV show?
True Blood, Dexter, and 30 Rock, but really into Boardwalk Empire so far…

Weirdest job you’ve ever had?
Don’t think I ever had one…

Favorite restaurant?
In new york: Babbo, Bacaro, Café Gitane, Marlow and Sons, Bar Pitti, Marea, and Sushi of Gari. In Paris: Guy Savoy, Ferdi, and Les Papilles. In LA: Pinches Tacos, Gjelina and Yatai.

Favorite object in your home?
My vintage striped wood coffee table.

Favorite piece of clothing?
Rick Owens long leather and wool coat.

Favorite blog or website?
Jak and Jil, Style.com.

Something you’re scared of?
Spiders. I have a terrible arachnophobia.

Favorite record?
Radiohead’s OK Computer and The Bends, and The xx’s xx.

Favorite pop song?
George Harrison’s “Got My Mind Set on You.”

Your ideal day?
On the beach with all my friends, beers, and good music.

Favorite gift you’ve ever received?
A Donald Sultan “smoke rings” photograph, given by my parents for my college graduation, and a gold and diamond ring that my grandmother gave me, that was previously her mother’s, that I wear everyday.

Favorite flower?
Black Magic and Black Baccara roses.

Favorite scent (perfume)
Lavender gris.

Astrological sign?
Gemini.

What do you do for a living?
Fashion designer; owner of handbag line Reece Hudson.

Where do you live?
NoLIta.

Your lucky number?
6

What piece of art would you buy if you had absolutely no budget?
A Marilyn Minter enamel-on-metal painting, a Jackson Pollack black-and-white mural painting, and Richard Serra’s Sequence sculpture.

March 16th, 2011 by Emily
Posted in Ladies of Castor & Pollux | 1 Comment »

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