The second Reiss Atelier collection is here

A fixture on the Great British high street for over half a century, Reiss has long been one of favourite affordable brands – and now, the retailer is coming for the luxury consumer. Reiss Atelier is a collection of timeless wardrobe staples and occasionwear pieces that are designed to be worn for many years, positioned at a slightly higher price point than that of its main line, starting at £245 and running up to £1995.

"The idea has been in the pipeline for some time," Una Joyce, womenswear director at Reiss tells us. "Luxury brands have become more and more inaccessible over the years, yet our customers still want to purchase high-quality, design-led pieces to keep in their wardrobe season after season. As a business, we are known as the go-to brand for premium dresses, tailoring and outerwear, so it made sense for us to amplify our signature designs and materials, to create a collection of luxury pieces that will not only complement your day-to-day wardrobe but also offer beautiful eveningwear for those special occasions."

"When [our womenswear design director] Jamie briefed Atelier to our design team, he told them that there were no limitations and to have fun with the designs, so you will see a lot of craftsmanship in this collection," says Joyce.

Courtesy Reiss

Now, the second season of Atelier has arrived, making an elegant follow-up to the well-received debut. According to the brand, fluidity is the focus for SS24: a concept that translates to voluminous printed shirts and light-as-air silk separates. The colour palette is primarily black and cream, with a few jolts of electric lime green for that new-season energy.

Teya Trench Coat

Atelier Leather Cargo Shorts

Atelier Italian Cape Sleeve Mini Dress

Felicity Ruched Bodycon Midi Dress

"I think the colour palette is a big factor in creating a timeless wardrobe, soft shades, neutrals and black can be integrated into the wardrobe easily and live through the decades without losing appeal," says Joyce. "Staple pieces also help to create a timeless look."

The collection is chic and certainly timeless, but there are plenty of twists and unique touches to the pieces, which give them a luxurious and high-end feel.

This new drop also includes the retailer's first bridal designs, featuring refined dresses for the modern bride, as well as a few chic options for pre-nuptial dinners and late-night afterparties.

Moving into the wedding category is indeed a savvy move: as more women seek to break from traditional and hold more intimate and relaxed celebrations, the affordable bridal market is booming. High-street bedfellows Ghost, Whistles and Rixo have recently moved into the arena, suggesting the high-street hero piece of 2024 may well be a crisp white dress.