A NEW LIGHT ON A NEGLECTED BRAND

KAtE, my Reiss stylist, was professional and efficient, and had paid close attention to what I’d requested on email. one interesting question I was asked was who my style icons were (I optimistically listed 70s rock chicks Anita Pallenberg and Marianne Faithfull, and Jane Birkin as my inspiration for understated chic), and the firm also offers a pre-appointment phone call. Kate suggested I have my phone or a second laptop screen to hand during the appointment. As we talked, we viewed the products under discussion on the Reiss website, adding the pieces I liked to my shopping basket. After purchasing through the site, the clothes arrived beautifully packaged the next day. Reiss isn’t one of my usual favourites — I’d dismissed it as being mainly focused on formal workwear, which isn’t really ‘me’. But Kate understood my preference for loose, oversized silhouettes, and had rustled up some of the most trend-led pieces in the collection. I loved the cream spotty blouse with matching pleated skirt — ‘70s mum’ style in the best possible way — and the light trench (left), as well as a buttery black leather bomber jacket, which she said was more modern than a biker style. Less successful were the suggestions for basics to fill my wardrobe gaps. Kate emailed to offer further advice once I’d tried my purchases on at home, and I used the normal returns process for the things I didn’t like. I’d forgotten what great quality Reiss is — lovely fabrics and designer-level detail. the appointment made me see the brand in a completely new light. Reiss personal shopping services, free, reiss.com/personal-shopping Blouse, £135; belted skirt, £155; mules, £135; trench coat, £385, all Reiss