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October 8, 2024

Tracy Reese, Our Premier Fashion Designer, is on a Mission

In a fashion era stuck in neutral, she built a billion-dollar business selling vibrancy, joy and femininity. Today, her sustainable style is a beautiful thing.

By Guest Editor Harriette Cole
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Fashion Designer Tracy Reese in her studio poses for a portrait for Sisters Newsletter
NICK HAGEN
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Hailing from Detroit, Tracy Reese moved to New York City and went to Parsons School of Design. She refined her skills on Seventh Avenue, working for companies such as Martine Sitbon, Arlequin, Perry Ellis and Magaschoni, eventually starting her own eponymous brand that blossomed into a billion-dollar global enterprise over the course of 20+ years.

At her company's peak, when she had the additional brands Plenty, Frock! and Black Label as well as numerous collaborations with accessories companies in her stable, she pivoted to create a smaller, sustainable brand, Hope for Flowers, that fortifies her local community and is good for the planet.

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Tracy Reese inspects various fabrics in her studio
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Tracy Reese sorting clothing in her studio
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Tracy Reese admiring her work in her studio
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Harriette Cole Interviews Tracy Reese for Sisters Newsletter

Sister’s guest editor Harriette Cole sat down with Tracy Reese to talk about her career.

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Fall/Winter 2024 Hope for Flowers
Courtesy Hope for Flowers by Tracy Reese
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Fall/Winter 2024 Hope for Flowers
Courtesy Hope for Flowers by Tracy Reese Collection
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Fall/Winter 2024 Hope for Flowers
Courtesy Hope for Flowers by Tracy Reese
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Fall/Winter 2024 Hope for Flowers
Courtesy Hope for Flowers by Tracy Reese
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Fall/Winter 2024 Hope for Flowers
Courtesy Hope for Flowers by Tracy Reese

Topics
Black-Owned Businesses Celebrities Shopping Slay All Day Fashion Style Success
About the Author
Guest Editor Harriette Cole
Harriette Cole is the author of seven books, including How to Be and a former editor-in-chief of Ebony magazine. Cole has worked for more than 30 years to help people present themselves well through media executive and presentation training. Cole hosts the weekly podcast, DREAMLEAPERS®, that unlocks the secrets of people who are manifesting their dreams. She interviewed Sheryl Lee Ralph for the August, September 2023, issue of AARP The Magazine. Since 2020, Cole has hosted Real Conversations with AARP where she's interviewed such notables as Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Iyanla Vanzant, Aunjanue Ellis, Boris Kodjoe and Nicole Ari Parker, Ruth E. Carter, David and Tamala Mann and others.
Harriette Cole is the author of seven books, including How to Be and a former editor-in-chief of Ebony magazine. Cole has worked for more than 30 years to help people present themselves well through media executive and presentation training. Cole hosts the weekly podcast, DREAMLEAPERS®, that unlocks the secrets of people who are manifesting their dreams. She interviewed Sheryl Lee Ralph for the August, September 2023, issue of AARP The Magazine. Since 2020, Cole has hosted Real Conversations with AARP where she's interviewed such notables as Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Iyanla Vanzant, Aunjanue Ellis, Boris Kodjoe and Nicole Ari Parker, Ruth E. Carter, David and Tamala Mann and others.
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