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TRACY REESE is one the most successful fashion designers in America who also happens to be the most successful African American designer. Tracy’s clothing appeals to everyone from supermodels to pop stars to first ladies.

A Detroit native, Tracy graduated from the Parsons School of Design and worked for such noted designers as Martine Sitbon and Perry Ellis before launching her first ready-to-wear collection in 1998. Since then, the Tracy Reese brand has grown considerably and now includes two additional clothing lines, Plenty by Tracy Reese and Frock! as well as beauty, footwear, hosiery, and home collections.

This profile is long overdue because I have followed Tracy’s career since the very beginning and I’ve always admired Tracy’s passion for color and her love of flattering fabrics that are just as comfortable in a boardroom as on the runway.

Tracy’s unique skill and effervescence was on display when she presented her Spring 2012 collection this past September. The collection was all romance, color and happiness. There were standout palazzo jumpsuits and flirty dresses perfect for any woman who desires comfort as well as fashion. I’ve selected a few looks from her Spring presentation accompanied by Tracy’s thoughts on alternative career choices and her first fashion role models.

“If I weren’t doing what I’m doing today, I would be an architect or interior designer.”

“My designs embrace a lot of different women, of different shapes, sizes, and colors. I want to create something that’s going to enhance each woman and make every woman feel beautiful.”

“I am inspired by so many things. Music always inspires me. Beautiful interiors inspire me.”

From early on, my mother and grandmother were extremely influential, they were my first fashion icons.”