Designer, Billy Reid definitely had a big swan song to sing after winning the prestigious CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award for his designs back in November. MyFDB was lucky enough to catch up with the prized winner to see where he’s at now and what’s next for the Billy Reid brand.

Congratulations on winning the CFDA award! How did this surreal moment feel?
I am truly honored just to have been a part of it all and that experience itself I will cherish. Being there with so many people I’ve looked up all these years was incredibly surreal, exciting, overwhelming and emotional.

How would you sum up your brand in five words or less.
Traditional. Modern. Built to last.

What prompted you to launch your first women’s wear collection in 2008?
We found that the women who came to the shop were buying mens pieces and wearing it in a feminine way. We’ve slowly built a following and continue to evolve it.

If you could creatively collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?
For us, collaborations need to be a natural fit- nothing forced and real. We have worked with Levi’s, K-Swiss and Stetson on collaborative projects and all of those started organically and just felt right personally between all involved. That is critical to me.

We’re big fans of your all-American aesthetic, so what can we expect from the Billy Reid brand next?
Right now our focus is to continue building the collection with as much integrity as possible and staying true to what we believe. Product has to be first priority, then, we build from there.

Where can we find you…on a cold rainy day?
Near the fireplace

When you’re in need of a drink?
Near the fireplace

When you want to be outdoors?
Alabama with my friends, near the fireplace

Lastly, what advice do you have for aspiring fashion industry professionals?
Get with a company, or collection you admire and do anything to get your foot in the door. Good things will happen from there if you bust it.

Okay, now lets have some fun! Time for Word Association, quick tell us the first thing that pops into your head when you hear:

Plaid: dark
Fur: nutria
Suit: handmade
Book: picture
Twitter: bird
Laughter: medicine
Alabama: sweet-home

That’s a wrap! A huge thank you to Billy Reid for taking the time to talk to MyFDB. We look forward to following all of his upcoming projects!