By Rosa Doherty
1 min read
By Rosa Doherty
The heiress to the fashion empire Reiss has died suddenly while heavily pregnant.
Debra Reiss, 34, who was expecting her second child, is the daughter of David Reiss, 72, who made £125 million transforming the London retail chain into a worldwide fashion giant.
Ms Reiss is said to have been suffering from a long term illness but died suddenly. Her unborn child also died.
Ms Reiss leaves behind a partner, Zane, and a baby daughter, Scarlett, who was born last year.
A recent post on Facebook referred to having a “good meeting with my lung doctor” but gave no more details about the nature of her illness.
Friends have payed tribute to her on social media.
One wrote “Heaven has gained another special angel and her baby. Feel sick to have learnt of such sad news. Thinking of her family at such a horrendous time.
“RIP Debra Reiss you will be very very sorely missed xxx.”
Another wrote: “Just woke up to this tragic news and just could not believe it. Dee you will be greatly missed.
“I will cherish all the fun moments we shared together. My thoughts are with your family Zane and beautiful baby Scarlett. Heaven has gained 2 more angels RIP.”
She worked for the business as a brand director.
Her father David Reiss, 72, started work as a fashion agent in 1965 before taking over his late-father's tailoring shop in the East End.
He told the JC in 2010 "I had this entrepreneurial spirit and I suppose retail was in my blood."
A Reiss spokesman said: “This is a personal matter for David Reiss and his family.
“Safe to say that the thoughts of everyone at Reiss are with David and his family at this sad time.”
