Previews: Billy Reid Delights with Detail (and Boats!)

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For part two of our menswear preview binge yesterday, we braved the harrowing sidewalks of Chinatown to get a peak at the Billy Reid Spring 2010 collection. Equal parts mint julep and Jack and Coke, the line is delightful, wearable and riddled with detail. Representing Billy's bourbon-soaked, garden party-attending southern gentleman, there are tailored, jauntily-lined seersucker and summer suits; bright pastel wovens rife with contrasting trim; and crisp, tailored separates. For that southern gentleman's rock 'n' roll cousin, find washed, over-dyed suede footwear; pocketed denim and chambray shirting; and plenty of always-hip gingham and buffalo-checked casual wear.

A dual-pocketed off-white dress shirt is fantastically-printed in purple masted-tall ships—perhaps our favorite print of the season. And if you'd rather wear your whimsy on the inside of your sleeve, it's also used as the lining for vintage-inspired tropical wool suiting in a light, summer plaid. Speaking of suiting: it's slim, cropped and casual—but not ridiculous—and totally wearable in navy cotton, tan-on-tan seersucker or feathery summer wool. Super-soft knits with alternating stripes, boldly-patterned button-downs, and western shirts with tweaked pockets add a shot of irreverence. And the line is accessorized by a bevy of really fantastic classic (with a twist) footwear—sneakery denim oxfords; washed suede lace-up boots in the perfect rust; and plenty of contrast stitching. We'd like to pack the whole collection into one of Billy's handsome canvas and leather weekenders and take it home with us.
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