Designer William “Billy” Reid’s story reads more like a gripping novel than a fashion editorial from the pages of a magazine. Born in Louisiana, his childhood was spent between two worlds: outdoors with his father and friends, and behind the counter at his mother’s clothing boutique for women. His college education would mirror this divide, with the PE major eventually pursuing fashion design and merchandising. After stints with Saks Fifth Avenue and Reebok (and a brief foray with his own fashion design and marketing company in Dallas), Reid launched his namesake collection in 1998 to rave reviews. This immediate success inspired the designer to move his studio to New York in 2000 and to add a women’s collection to the line. In 2001, “William Reid,” the brand, garnered the prestigious CFDA Perry Ellis Award.

But things turned sour after 9/11, when the entire industry began to experience some unforeseen unease, with consumer spending dropping significantly. With a lack of revenue and capital, Reid decided to shutter his brand. It wasn’t until 2004 that be decided to re-launch, this time, with the shorter “Billy Reid” as his collection name.

Billy Reid, now fully realized, is a collection with roots in a specific Southern past. Reid still designs his collection in Florence, Alabama and employs artisan factories in Europe and America to realize his dreams. The men’s and women’s lines both hark back to the days of working in the countryside and camping with friends, though updated with tailored cuts and patterns for 2010. It seems in both clothing and business, Reid is showing how he can take away lessons from the past, and use it to ensure that he’s around for the future.

We asked Reid to take part in our exclusive online series about “things that never go out of style.” Here is his top ten list:

1. Kris Kristofferson
2. A well-fitted navy blazer
3. Cowboy Boots
4. Levi’s
5. Aviators
6. Fried Chicken
7. Weber Grills
8. Good looking women
9. Friends
10. Antiques

Reid works out of his flagship shop and studio on North Court Street in Florence, AL. Additional Billy Reid shops include his Bond Street location in New York City, and locations in Nashville, Charleston, Charlotte, Dallas and Houston. Details at billyreid.com.