Reem Acra opted out of the traditional fashion week festivities this season, choosing instead to release a moody film on her Web site today that captures the spirit of her Fall effort. "I have a much wider audience out there than the ones who can come and see a show," Acra explained earlier this week at the video shoot. "I want my design statement to reach them as well." Whatever the reasoning, Acra is hardly alone in exploring the option of moving images this week. Several New York designers live-streamed their runways, adding to the noisy argument that the Web is the future for seasonal collections.
Fittingly, given this progressive approach, the clothes were mostly youthful and fashion-forward. Acra didn't hold back with her signature opulence and flair for all-out glamour, but the slouchy elastic-waist sequined frock, rainbow feather-and-bead vest, and wool jacquard coat with red shantung polka dots could work equally well for both a vibrant socialite and her teenage daughter. The designer veered into over-the-top territory at times—one look featured ombré shantung, tulle, gold sequins, ribbons, and an explosion of feather flowers at the shoulder—but for the most part the digital format appeared to bring new energy to the brand.
