Tracy Reese

Tracy Reese is an American fashion designer born on February 12, 1964. She specializes in women's ready-to-wear clothing, accessories, and home fashions such as linens. A prominent figure in the industry, she was inducted as a board member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2007.

Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Reese graduated from Cass Technical High School. While growing up, she made clothing from scratch alongside her mother, working side by side at their own sewing machines. In 1982, she moved to New York City to attend the Parsons School of Design, graduating with an accelerated degree in 1984. She then worked under Martine Sitbon at Arlequin and at several other top fashion design houses, eventually serving as head of the Women's Portfolio for Perry Ellis before launching her own brand.

Reese launched her namesake fashion label in New York City in 1998, producing both ready-to-wear and resort wear. To offer mass-market lines at more affordable prices, she introduced Plenty in 2000, which includes a focus on home fashions, and Frock! in 2006. She later launched the Tracy Reese Black Label in 2009. Her flagship store opened in New York City in 2006, followed by a second exclusive store in Tokyo in 2011.

Her designs are recognized for their femininity and retro-influenced style, featuring bright colors, elaborate graphic patterns, and playful bohemian touches. Products from her various design lines are carried by major retailers, including Bloomingdale's, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Anthropologie, Modcloth, and Nordstrom. She has dressed notable figures, including First Lady Michelle Obama, who wore her designs during a visit to Hawaii, at the 2012 Democratic National Convention, and at a 2013 ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of the I Have a Dream speech.

Throughout her career, Reese has undertaken numerous brand collaborations. These include hosiery lines with HUE and nail products with Sally Hansen, both starting in Fall 2007, as well as a footwear partnership for Plenty with Keds beginning in Spring 2009. She also collaborated with Jamberry in 2016 and was selected for the United Airlines worldwide uniform renewal program starting in 2018.