For Reem Acra, the dress that started it all was a gown for a Parisian bride. Fittingly enough, when her 20th anniversary rolled around, the designer decided to mark the occasion with a presentation at the Ritz Paris.
Since starting from scratch, Acra has won a major following on red carpets and elsewhere. And she listens to her clients: In response to input from celebrities, fans, and retailers, she recently stepped up her focus on separates. The reaction was immediate: The lace tops she debuted on Net-a-Porter during the holidays sold out in two days.
In Paris, Peter Marino stopped by and joked to Acra that her maximalist mix of textiles and embroidery was “super-elegant hippie.” He had a point, although it also depends on your definition of hippie.
“As a designer, I decided that it’s time to show who I really am,” commented Acra. “There are a lot of [fashion] messages out there, but really I have no time to be someone else. I am truly grateful for the road I have taken. So my message is: Be yourself, and yes you can.”
With this collection, she says she closed her eyes and asked herself, “Who am I?” The answer: a strong, modern, global nomad, with a lashing of Edwardiana for good measure. No stranger to embroidery, the designer offered up lavish “tattoo” tops with heart, eye, and Fatima hand motifs. Asymmetrical peplums, a bronze bomber, and a black sweatshirt embroidered with hearts made a case for fusing evening and day. A transparent black bodice sewn with green crystals evoked the Pre-Fall gown Jennifer Lopez wore to the People’s Choice Awards in January, but with a lighter touch.
Acra said she had a ball designing her collection, and it shows. Her clients will feel the same way wearing it.
