At Reem Acra’s show, the details were exquisite. Her designs epitomize global glamour and encompass European style and an understanding of what looks and feels beautiful. On the runway, you can clearly see her pieces interlaced with intricate detailing. Both her bridal and her ready-to-wear collections evoke an ethereal yet modern quality.
Acra launched her label in 1997, and she was immediately recognized for her elegant, impeccable designs. She pays strict attention to details, meticulous construction, rich colors, lush fabrics, playful patterns and flawless finishes. She studied fashion design at the University of Beirut, where she was discovered by a fashion editor.
Acra also attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and its counterpart, Ecole superieure des arts et techniques de la mode. After a short stint as an interior designer, Acra returned to her fashion roots while working in New York City and Hong Kong. “I was captivated by the lavish, embroidered silk organza gown that I created by using my mother’s dining room tablecloth. The gown was worn to a party,” she recalls.
She designed her first bridal gown for one of her style-setting friends. Admired by many people, this dress design actually sparked Acra’s international career. Her bridal gowns, created in the finest silks, are enhanced with dazzling beading and exquisite embroidery. Acra is known for her knack of matching a look to a woman’s personality. Her gowns are all over red carpets, weddings and award ceremonies. Her following includes Halle Berry, Beyonce, Eva Longoria, Jane Fonda, Angelina Jolie, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Swift. She also creates gowns for royal families. Her collections are available at Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, and at Harvey Nicols in the Middle East.
For spring-summer 2016, IMG announced its lead partners for their upcoming New York Fashion Week shows, which will be held this year at Skylight at Moynihan Station and Skylight Clarkson Square. Lexus will be the auto-dealer partner this season instead of Mercedes-Benz, which dropped out last season. The shows will take place Sept. 1 to 17. Other partners will include Maybelline, TRESemme, Intel, DHL, E, Macy’s, American Express and Accenture. Many of the shows will also be presented offsite but will still be under the New York Fashion Week banner.
“Evolving a high-profile event with many moving parts takes time, effort and the trust and support of the industry,” said Mark Shapiro, chief content officer of IMG. “We are so pleased with the response to the changes we’re making and are excited to welcome new and returning designers and partners, as well as the MADE community, to the fold. We look forward to showing the industry all we’ve been working on come September.”