This Friday Reiss’ Spring Summer 2012 collections launch, I got the opportunity to preview the collection already, and I naturally could not resist sharing some of it with you. Anyone who actually reads my blog knows that I am a huge fan of Reiss, it is a great brand that is affordable without sacrificing style. It is one of my favourite British brands, and a quite a large portion of my wardrobe is Reiss. Whilst Reiss isn’t ‘daring’, it is classic with contemporary elements making it almost timeless.

One of the motifs in the Spring Summer Menswear 2012 collection which I particularly like is ‘The Hamptons’, however James Spreckley (Reiss’ Menswear Director) has expanded upon this, and we are left with an East coast verse West coast vibe. Think of the sartorial prep of the Upper East Side mixed with the almost casual coolness of California. It sounds as if it would never work, but it really does. The result is fresh, and fun with classic staples taking on new life, and the casual ideals of the West finishing off the looks with a complete manner of nonchalance that is somehow naturally ‘cool’. It is a great juxtapositional success!

…and I must say the above bag caught my eye. I am really loving the dark mustard green canvas against the black leather – great contrasting combination, and it seems to follow Reiss’ East coast verse West concept. You have essentially a structured leather satchel bred with a cotton messenger, and the result is beautiful.

Another one of the motifs is ‘Notes from Havana’ inspired by exotic locations, and the pinnacle point of summer. This comes across in vivacious prints, and bold splashes of colour (really loving that red jumper!). Reiss have expanded on their jolly colours by stretching the textural norm. Long gone are the days of linen shorts, it is all about linen ties, and other delightful arrays of unusual textural pleasure. It is playful, and fun whilst remaining classic, and wearable – think Great Gatsby with a splash of colour.