Billy Reid's Spring 2013 presentation Friday night lured showgoers with the promise of craft ales from Dogfish Head, but the crowd assembled stayed to watch the designer's muted take on Americana come down the runway.
As is always the case, Reid's main focus this season was on making sophisticated alternatives to traditional men's workwear. A gold cotton windbreaker was shown layered over a hand-tailored gray linen suit, while a tough lambskin jacket got paired with deep brown python penny loafers.
The women's side was infused with the same hardworking spirit but enjoyed its own touches of refinement. A beige suede duster floated over a simple white gauze dress, and suits in varying neutral shades were perfectly primed for the office. But a pair of silk dresses decorated with pale golden stripes were the height of the collection's easy elegance.
Last Friday we popped over to the new Billy Reid shop on Bond Street to check out their Spring 09 offerings and brand new Fall-stocked store. An interesting thing is happening to that pocket of downtown New York as menswear shops are opening every time we turn around. A few years back 
