Scene & Heard: Reitmans is no longer your mother’s store

Reitmans Racer Chic

As many of you will have seen, I had the opportunity to get a sneak peek at the Reitmans Fall ’13 Collection, and I wasn’t exaggerating when I said that I was very pleasantly surprised by what I saw. Reitmans is launching its first ever professional wear line this Fall and it looks stylish and up-to-date for the young working woman.  

On the racks were stripes, mini checks and tweeds, offset by geometric and graphic prints.The renaissance era looks of romanticism and opulence were also on display. You can expect lace and jacquards, soft colours and elegant embellishments. The Reitmans casual story sees looser, longer tops in various hemlines which were matched nicely with slim pants. Denim, a staple in every woman’s closet is key, so Reitman’s is also launching a denim boutique, introducing various cuts, washes and patterns.

While going through the collection, Sandra Léveillé, Reitmans Merchandising manager gave me a full run down of what was on the racks and in store for us this Fall.

theSceneinTO: Most young women think of Reitmans as their mother’s store, what should they know about today’s look that will get them into the store and keep them coming back?

Léveillé: From now on the younger woman can find her must-have fashion items at Reitmans. From the slim crop length pant in trendy seasonal colours, the so on trend printed trousers, sheer and fluid feminine blouses, maxi beach dresses, fun printed tanks and tees, the essential jean jacket—we have everything she needs including accessories and shoes for the complete look. 

theSceneinTO: What kind of looks can we expect from Fall ’13 and what kind of patterns/styles/fabrics can we look forward to?

Léveillé: Jackets and blazers. They are very important for this fall and you will find many of them in our Reitmans stores. We did our own version of the coveted varsity jacket adding sheer sleeves for that wow factor. You’ll want to wear the motorcycle jacket everywhere you go, and we have some more classic ponte de roma blazers done in stripes and colours that are perfectly versatile.  

The cache-coeur blouse in soft colours and in graphic stripes is a must and a more feminine alternative to the classic shirt; pair it with the slim leg ankle jacquard trouser and our motorcycle jacket for an inspired look.

The 50’s inspired pullover, you’ll love it for its feminine fit, its pattern that adds texture and the nice details as a little bow at the back of the neckline. Mix it with our skater skirt to achieve that retro feel that will be so hot this fall.

Soft blouses are the “coup de coeur” of the moment. Done in little conversational prints with delicate touches like frills, they are the perfect shell under a blazer for a career look. Create trendy casual looks is easy when you slip a soft blouse under an open stitch pullover and pair them with one of our printed or textured leggings or even our slim leg pant with leather trims.

theSceneinTO: What can we expect from Reitmans in the future?

Léveillé: We want to become the pant authority, “the” trouser destination. We will be introducing new and modern shapes, fabrics and fits. You will see a much more fashion oriented career collection; the 9.5.7 career collection set to launch in September will be inspriring.

We are revamping our brand in terms of fashion, while never compromising on the essence of Reitmans which is the importance that we give to fit, comfort and femininity.

Make sure you stop into a Reitman’s store near you this fall. You might just be very pleasantly surprised by what you find—and purchase.