Reem Acra has been banking on her ornate bridal and evening gowns for some time now, but for pre-fall, the designer isn't limiting herself to the sequin-heavy looks for which she's known. While there were plenty of those signature paillettes in her new collection, Acra also experimented with sportswear separates like day-to-night tailored jackets and pencil skirts, and integrated leather into her lineup for the second season in a row. The leather dresses here were a refreshing departure, especially a cobalt blue version with laser-cut flowers. In the end, though, the best look was classic Acra: a relatively simple, lipstick red gown with delicate Chantilly lace insets that should appeal to her red-carpet and gala-going clientele.
