Reem Acra perpetually has Hollywood on her mind. After all, whether it’s the Emmys or the upcoming Oscars, that’s where her creations shine. But, says the designer, Pre-Fall is also “for the client,” which means that there was a mix of offerings here, ranging from cocktail pieces to those floor-length, camera flash–inducing gowns. The would-be red carpet numbers were predictable: There were champagne pink and lavender gowns with taffeta layers and Chantilly lace bustiers, dotted with flower appliqués. On the more skin-flaunting side, there was pretty naval-diving décolletage on a rose-color gown, as well as a spaghetti-strap lilac piece with a flint-hued, embroidered mini-bust for a bombshell effect. For those not strutting the Hollywood welcome mat, Acra did plenty of LBDs: The most standout was a scalloped scoop-neck dress, gold-threaded and partially covered with black petal appliqués.
Whatever the setting these dresses will be worn in, one welcome feature was their air of modesty. A triple-tiered lavender gown had a blush-toned bustier and a diaphanous long-sleeved lace overlay; the results were covered-up but still curve-highlighting thanks to an empire waist. On one black gown, silver and gold sequins were made to look like clusters of mini, glinting shooting stars. It was a smart adornment: The ornate pattern lavishly hid the partially see-through collarbone area.
Also, one unseen benefit to Acra’s gowns is that they are extremely light: She joked that the “hanger was heaviest piece of all.” The weightlessness makes these pieces easy-to-wear—a big plus for all of Acra’s clientele, whether or not they are a silver-screen regular.
