British-American designer Harris Reed has been named the new creative director of the 90-year-old Parisian fashion house Nina Ricci. The news comes less than a week after Reed presented his Mise en Scène Spring/Summer 2023 demi-couture collection for his eponymous label at London Fashion Week.
The French brand announced in a statement that “Harris is the youngest creative mind to enter the brand,” at just 26 years old. The fashion darling is expected to unveil his debut collection for Nina Ricci early 2023.
“I am honored to be joining the house of Nina Ricci, with its treasure chest full of glamor, history, and power ready to be explored,” the UK-based designer said in a statement. “I am truly excited to challenge the landscape of what femininity means across Fashion and Beauty in such an iconic house.”
Reed commemorated the milestone on Instagram, sharing an emotional video revealing the news to his mother, Lynette along with a statement from his 9-year-old self. “Mom, when I’m older and out of here I’m going to live in Paris. I’m going to create clothes that make me feel me, that make me feel free,” Reed wrote. “I’m going to be a creative director of one of those French houses I read about at night. I’m going to create the ultimate escape out of here.”
He continued, “To be a 6’4” (without heels), red-headed, long haired fluid designer (who everyone thinks is a fabulous woman) who is unapologetically myself entering a brand I could have only ever dreamed of in Paris just leaves me full of excitement and love. I’m truly speechless… I have dreamed of this moment for so long, from the time I was a small child, through working my fingers to the bone at CSM, to now. This feels like something out of a movie, a storyline I might sit down and watch at the cinema. Thank you, thank you, thank you for taking these fantasies that felt so silver screen to me and turning them into a reality.”
The designer went on to express his thanks to Spanish group Puig, who controls Nina Ricci, and the company’s president José Manuel Albesa.
Reed has gained a reputation for championing gender-fluid fashion through his demi-couture, upcycled designs over the years. Since graduating from Central Saint Martins in 2020, the Reed’s theatrical silhouettes have captured the attention of Sam Smith, Iman, Harry Styles, Emma Watson, Lil Nas X, Emma Corrin, and even Beyoncé.
Longtime fan and supportive friend, Don’t Worry Darling actress Florence Pugh praised Reed’s new appointment on her Instagram Stories. “You, my darling @harris_reed are an image to us all of just how it’s done. I’m grateful for how you remind us of the struggles you’ve endured in your posts, inform us on your dreams of achievements, inspire us with how the world could be and should be,” she wrote. “You are in inspiration to many, and many more to come. Congratulations. I continue to be in awe of you.”
With Reed at the helm, Nina Ricci has also appointed Edwin Bodson as its new General Director. “I am thrilled to be part of this new era and to welcome Harris as the new Creative Director of Nina Ricci,” he said in a statement. “As a gender fluid designer rejecting norms in a quest for freedom. Harris’ singular vision of magnified femininity will span across Nina Ricci.”
Earlier this year, Reed sat down for an interview with GRAZIA USA to talk about his creative journey. “I felt unrepresented by the fashion industry, so I began making looks to go out to events and parties when I didn’t have anything to wear,” he recalled.
“Then, I started working with people like Harry Styles, Adele, and Selena Gomez — people who believed in my vision and what I stood for — an incredible army of stylists and editors, like Katie Grand and Sophia Neophitou-Apostolou; powerful individuals who exude this love and desire to help and nurture talent. London has been where I’ve been able to grow on my own terms, and grow a business I’m proud of, while writing the rules in a different way. It’s been incredible to see the industry take notice. When I was at Saint Martins, my teachers would say, ‘You’re a costume designer. Who’s going to buy this?’ Now I can say, ‘This is the next chapter.’”
Check out GRAZIA USA’s Fall issue featuring cover star Nicola Peltz Beckham:
