Reem Acra is embracing the unconventional, or at least unconventional for her. While the designer is known for ball gowns often worn by royals and first ladies, this season she wanted to attract a younger clientele. “I went back to my archives to see what made me who I am and redid them in a cool and young way,” she said. The cap sleeve sweetheart neckline gown Olivia Wilde wore to the 2008 Oscars was reimagined by adding sheer mesh detailing at the breast line to show more skin. Acra also experimented with various new details like built-in jewelry, adding brooches at the neckline or jewels at 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, particularly the arts and crafts moments you usually do in primary school. She used chenille amongst some of the beading to add more texture and dimension, and on a metallic A-line gown she incorporated detachable puff sleeves not unlike what kids wear in art class to protect their little clothes. The metallic number is made of a pique fabric that looks like metallic foil and seems to change color in the light. “This collection was really about a strong and empowered moment,” she said.
