Debra Reiss, Heir to British Jewish Fashion Brand, Dies at 34
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
Debra Reiss, heir to the eponymous British fashion brand, has died after reportedly suffering from a long-term illness. She was pregnant with her second child, according to
The 34-year-old worked in her family’s clothing company, Reiss, as brand director in Los Angeles.
She is survived by her partner, Zane Williams, and their first daughter, Scarlett, born last year.
Her father, Jewish entrepreneur David Reiss, 72, took over the business from his father in 1971. Now, Reiss designs can be found in New York’s Bloomingdales and 14 other countries. In August Reiss announced they will open their first Australian store in Melbourne in 2016.
Reiss received a tremendous boost in sales and interest due to their most high-profile client, Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton. She wore a £159 Reiss dress for her official engagement photo with Prince William in 2010, and a £220 Reiss dress during her meeting with Barack and Michelle Obama a year later.
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