Reem Acra embraces the unconventional, or at least unconventional for her. Although the designer is known for her ball gowns often worn by royals and first ladies, she wanted to attract a younger clientele this season. “I went back to my archives to see what made me who I am and recreated them in a cool and young way,” she said. The cap sleeve and sweetheart neckline dress that Olivia Wilde wore to the 2008 Oscars was reimagined by adding sheer mesh detailing to the bustline to show more skin. Acra also experimented with several new details, such as built-in jewelry, adding brooches to the neckline or jewelry in the heart of a deep V-cut dress; while elsewhere she added embroidered corsetry details for a very Y2K vibe.
Acra drew inspiration from her childhood, especially from the craft moments you normally do in primary school. She used chenille between some beads to add more texture and dimension, and on a metallic A-line dress she incorporated removable puff sleeves, similar to what kids wear in art class to protect their small garments. The metallic number is made from a pique fabric that looks like metallic foil and seems to change color in the light. “This collection was really about a strong and powerful moment,” she said.
