It takes a lot to convince a nice Jewish girl like this one to go to church, but Reem Acra managed to get me happily seated in a pew. The designer’s Spring 2020 bridal show took place in St. Bartholomew's Church, an official New York City landmark on Park Avenue. While the show kicked off nearly 40 minutes late, all was forgiven when the ceremonial performance began (to the tune of Madonna’s “Papa Don’t Preach”) and six Lilliputian flower girls walked out in baby-pink dresses. Cute! Adorable! Totally Instagram-worthy. Next, Acra’s megawatt gowns made their way down the aisle. There was a little something for everyone: Gem-encrusted princess dresses, slinky gowns that hugged the body, minis that showed some leg, and plenty of the intricate, couture-like embroidery Acra is known for.
A particular standout was Acra’s take on the veil: In one instance, there was a bejeweled crown with a teased veil sprouting from the top for a bit of larger-than-life flare. And in another, a Pepto-pink veil was fastened around the model’s face with a tuft puffing out at the top, like a glamorous lollipop wrapper.
A bigger surprise? There were model grooms, too. (Their suits were made in collaboration with Joseph Abboud.) One dashing young man wore a shirt so heavily slathered in gumball-size pearls that it seemed to nod to Prince’s shirt in Purple Rain. In fact, several menswear looks had the glitz and the glam typically reserved for brides. It was cheeky, campy, and charming. Another funky touch came at the end of the show, when singers in the audience stood up and broke out into Madonna’s “Like a Prayer.” Quite the finale.
Earlier this week, Vogue’s Emily Farra asked a few questions about when the bridal industry is going to feel more modern, pointing out how ready-to-wear and wedding fashion is starting to blur.. Many of Acra’s looks felt pretty classic—though a few pieces did have a young, hot appeal—and seeing men on the runway was certainly a first. But modern or not, Acra is making bridal fun. In other words: Take me to church.
