Reem Acra: Fierce Modernity
Reem Acra’s Spring 2017 collection exudes modernity and even carries some of the most popular ready-to-wear trends of the moment. It balances fashion and tradition in ways not immediately recognizable … but once discovered, make an impactful statement.
The Runway
[portfolio_slideshow id=14355 align=center width=600 click=advance thumbnailsize=40 showcaps=false]
The graceful stride of the models served as a strong complement to the elegance — but new and fresh flare — of the collection. Acra’s understanding of a modern bride is felt strongly at many points, as with the off-the-shoulder cap sleeves and infusion of lace-up faux corsets oh-so-reminiscent of Miuccia Prada’s key Fall 2016 accessory. All this, plus the fabric’s delicacy, gives the gowns a want-now desirability.
Acra’s understanding of a modern bride is felt strongly at many points.
A big WOW moment during the show was when one model wearing a more traditional gown approached the runway with a veil. Suddenly she sheds it, allowing the audience to experience its conversion from veil to train, causing that element of tradition to shed just as quickly.
Silently striking were the ruffles, cascading ever-so-romantically from waist to train and — in one instance — stacked for dramatic layering. The way the ruffles moved was not only charming, but tender. The few featured trains offered a sense of tradition in silhouette, but their delicacy reiterated the contemporary sense of “less is more” in the world of bridal.
Their delicacy reiterated the contemporary sense of “less is more” in the world of bridal.
Up Close
[portfolio_slideshow id=14356 align=center width=600 click=advance thumbnailsize=40 showcaps=false]
One key gown was a bohemian cocoon-shaped dress that mirrored an ethereal and elegant nightgown you wouldn’t dare eat in … or wish to take off. Acra proves here that her bride is as diverse as the audience experiencing the show.
The collection was fueled largely by lace designs on most silhouettes, whether all over or just as a minimal detail. The long-sleeved gowns carried their romance in the sleeves due to the sheer intimacy of the lace and skin peeking from beneath.
Acra’s beauty statement was minimal with unexpected surprises, having placed a pearl just below the eyes of the models, or at times on the highest point of the cheek. This small detail gives us a glimpse into Acra’s aesthetic — mix the unexpected with simplicity.
Acra’s beauty statement was minimal with unexpected surprises.
##
With love,
FWO
