Heiress to Reiss empire dies: Debra Reiss was brand director for the fashion firm her father started in 1971

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Debra Reiss, daughter of fashion mogul David Reiss, has died suddenly
Young mother had been working as company director in Los Angeles
Ms Reiss was pregnant with her second child, who also died in tragedy
Reiss brand has made family £125m and is loved by Duchess of Cambridge

By Martin Robinson for MailOnline

Published: 09:51 EST, 9 September 2015 | Updated: 16:54 EST, 9 September 2015

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Tragedy: Debra Reiss, the daughter of the founder of the fashion chain Reiss has died suddenly, MailOnline can reveal

The young heiress to the Reiss clothing empire has died suddenly while heavily pregnant, MailOnline can reveal today.

Debra Reiss, 34, who was expecting her second child, is the daughter of David Reiss, 72, who made £125million transforming the London retailer loved by the Duchess of Cambridge into a worldwide fashion giant.

She is said to have been suffering from a long term illness but died suddenly. Tragically her unborn child also died.

Ms Reiss has a partner, Zane, and a young daughter, Scarlett, who was born last year.

One friend said on Facebook: '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 was thought to have been working for the business as a brand director in Los Angeles when she died.

Her millionaire father David, 72, made the London clothing retailer into a worldwide giant after starting in an East End shop.

A spokesman for Reiss confirmed to MailOnline that the young mother had died.

A Reiss spokesman said: 'This is a personal matter for David Reiss and his family.

'Save to say that the thoughts of everyone at Reiss are with David and his family at this sad time.'

David Reiss, who is worth £125millon, is one of the country's most successful British businessman.

Dynasty Debra Reiss' father David, 72, right, is worth £125million and his daughter had been working for the business as a brand director in Los Angeles

Ms Reiss talking about her role as Brand Manager in an online promotional video for the fashion line

Growth: Reiss' expansion has seen it open 114 shops and concessions across 14 countries, and now has 260 stores, having started with one shop in London's East End

Heaven has gained another special angel and her baby. Feel sick to have learnt of such sad news.

Friend of Debra Reiss

His clothing business has become a worldwide fashion superpower since he took over his father's East End gentleman's outfitters in 1971.

Reiss' expansion has seen it open 114 shops and concessions across 14 countries, and now has 260 stores.

Ms Reiss talks about the company in a promotional video as part of her role as brand manager.

She said: 'I am brand manager and its is part of my role day-to-day to collaborate with hotels restaurants and people and just build relationships.

I have celebrity stylists come in and want clothes.

'My favourite part of the job is being around people, I love dealing with people on a daily basis.'

Reiss' clothes have been worn by the rich and famous including The Duchess of Cambridge, whose loyalty to the brand led to a rush in sales.

Named the 'Kate effect', sales surged upwards after she chose a cream silk Reiss dress for her official engagement photographs by Mario Testino.

Ms Reiss said in the online video, which dates back to 2011, that the 'Kate effect' happened overnight and described it as just 'unbelievable.'

'I didn't even have to do a job, it was almost like it was there already,' she said.

'She wore the dress and looked fabulous. Overnight we have this massive brand recognition.

'I mean we had no idea, we didn't know she was going to wear it.

The Duchess later wore a Reiss dress when she met Michelle Obama at Buckingham Palace.

Support: Kate Middleton chose Reiss' £159 cream silk Nanette dress for her official engagement portrait by Mario Testino, pictured, and sent sales surging upwards