Reem Acra is not just a bridal designer, she is not just a couture and RTW designer. She is one of the truly innovative and authentically creative forces in fashion that has lasted decades as others have come and gone. An iconic designer who is equally important in bridal as she is in evening wear – something rarely achieved. She is an artist in the truest meaning of the word – her choices are unapologetically bold, setting trends as opposed to following them. Her persona is that of a lioness – fierce with gentle eyes, giving you the sense upon meeting her that she will truly be nothing more or less than who she is – good or bad – which makes her instantly inspiring and trustworthy.
The Reem Acra bridal runway presentation at New York Bridal Fashion Week was a series of gowns that had us on the edge of our seats. The setting was a pristine, white room with high ceilings and windows everywhere, and thankfully the sun was happy to cooperate with the Fall 2017 presentation! One gown after another floated down the runway and as each one left us thinking she was the most lovely of all, another appeared to take the title! The inspiration for the 2017 bridal collection was a “secret garden”, carried over from the designer’s ready to wear collections. Most of the gowns were ethereal and light, and a totally unique reinterpretation of the romantic wedding dress. Re-embroidered lace, silk crepe, silk organza, and brocade – all of the finest bridal fabrics you could ever dream of – were expertly draped into wedding gowns that are totally unique yet completely timeless.
The models wore their hair in loosely braided halos, woven with flowers and the makeup was fresh and rosy cheeked – as one would expect in a secret garden! The accessories included 3-d butterfly tattoos, beautiful lace wrist cuffs with three dimensional organza petals (our new favorite for the season!), and the occasional matching veil or tulle cape.
Signature details in the Fall 2017 collection included tiny grosgrain ribbon bows and 3-d organza petals, placed as finishing touches on several of the gowns, veils and tulle capes. Silhouettes ranged from soft A Lines to sheaths, sprinkled with a few ball gowns for good measure! We noticed that as the skirts became fuller, the details became more subtle, so that every dress felt equally special and part of the same collection.
One of our favorite gowns from New York bridal market is the beautifully sculpted mikado ball gown below. The curved strapless neckline, expertly draped bodice and subtle dip in the back all come together for an incredibly modern yet feminine wedding gown that epitomizes classic American style – think updated Jackie O or Audrey Hepburn…
As always, Reem Acra brings the most fashionable of ready to wear trends to the design table, reinterpreting them with subtle finesse into her bridal collection. Dramatic sleeves were no exception, and we saw the perfect version of each – from 70’s chic bell sleeves, to peasant sleeves, to bloussant beauties that transported us to an era of vintage romance!
Modest off the shoulder necklines were also featured and continue to be a trend for Fall 2017, highlighting the shoulders and collar bone of the bride rather than her décolleté.
The back details on several of the gowns were so beautiful, they were like canvases of embroidery and lace on the bride’s back. Sweetheart necklines were scalloped – trimmed along the shape of the lace for an organic shape that felt natural to each wedding dress and like artwork at the front of each gown.
Another ready to wear trend Reem Acra carried over into her bridal collection beautifully is cut outs. Sure to become a signature gown in the collection, the “Carla” gown below features a demure, high neckline in direct contrast with two large cut outs of alençon lace along the skirt! The draped cap sleeves and open triangle back (finished with a bow) all come together for a bridal sheath that is sure to be a favorite among the most fashion conscious of Fall 2017 brides!
Secret gardens aren’t only filled with whimsical fairies…they also have their confident princesses! Peplums are the statement of the season, giving skirts dimension and movement with every step the bride takes. These are followed by ballerina inspired wedding dresses that are light and billowy and in one word – dreamy.
Be among the first brides in the country to shop the Reem Acra Fall 2017 bridal collection, straight off the runways of New York Bridal Fashion Week during our trunk show November 18-20, 2016! By appointment, 312 787 0920 or via email.
Several of the images featured in our blog were generously provided by Collin Pierson Photography…
