NY Bridal Market: Reem Acra 2014

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There is a mood of smoldering sensuality as Reem Acra presented her Spring 2014 Bridal collection.  The body became the focal point of this seasons collection as it is molded and shaped by fabrics and embroideries meant to enhance and flatter your figure.  Let’s face it; no one does romantic embellishment and embroidery better than Reem Acra.

For Spring 2014, former architectural shapes, now become soft and undulating, as in cascading skirts of chiffon and organza framed with horsehair.  Also, the development of the peplum this season, adds an element of sculpted surprise.  Strapless dresses became feather light and accessible for the bride of today.

Lace is used in a more provocative way this season, creating unique necklines and serious back-drama. Of course, this collection wouldn’t be complete without emphasis on intricate hand-embroidered detailing. Crystals, pearls and hand stitching was magnificent. 

Reem Acra knows brides and continues to evolve her vision and attitude of the true modern bride.

Theme: Thank You for your Love

Fabric: Tulle, silk chiffon, lace, flower appliqué

Colors: Blush

NYFW: Reem Acra 2013 Fall Couture collection

Traditional Japanese embroidery inspired the intricate red floral handwork on several dresses and gowns in the Reem Acra 2013 fall collection. Inspired by a recent trip to Japan and a series of fishnet-stocking photos by Daido Moriyama, his photos of women in fishnet stockings left an impression and influenced her. While difficult to use fishnet, Reem Acra made it almost seem luxurious.

Japanese embroidery inspired handwork; floral appliqués and delicate floral prints were everywhere. New to the collection was a very welcome surprise day-wear. Reem Acra increased this portion of her collection, which will undoubtedly increase her presence in the marketplace.  1950’s elegance reflected in her wool dress and evening coat. A personal favorite and one that elicited response from the crowd was, the red ombré goat-hair coat. Total wow factor. Of course for those that don’t like ombré, there were more subdued colors and color-blocks to choose from.

Reem Acra of course succeeds by showing a collection that included delicate beaded and embellished evening wear, bomber jackets, furry outerwear and wonderful kimono jackets.  Ms. Acra created this entire collection and still had time to help created a special ‘wedding gown’ for her dear friend and wedding colleague Preston Bailey for his marriage to Theo Blackman just 3 days later.

Glamorous, luxurious, subtle-sensuality, that is Reem Acra.  So what’s red, black, white and fishnet all over? A successful 2013 Fall collection by Reem Acra.

Fabrics for 2013 Collection: Tulle, twee, goat hair, silk crepe, nutria fur, wool, leather, and beaded embroidery.

Fall colors for 2013 Collection: Black, red, and ivory

Reem Acra reigns royal with her bridal collection

There is always so much energy just before the Reem Acra show…models are busy getting ready, Ms. Acra is giving gowns one last look over and her dog is following closely at her heels.

This season featured laser cut gowns, hand crafted in sheer organza and tuelle, which has truly become the new lace. These gowns combine sheer layers and textures that lend an air of lightness.

The collection features embroidered gowns rendered in combinations of translucent palettes and pearls in hues of white and ivory.  There is no mistaking that transparency is the new white.

Not that anything could ever take away from the beauty of the gowns, the accessories complete the bridal picture.  With a unique twist on veils, bracelets and neckwear, there is no doubt that as a bride wearing Reem Acra, you will have a modern wedding dream come true.

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Reem Acra Spring 2012 bridal collection

With a theme of “Yes I can be a Princess too” set up the whimsical and truly one of the most fun bridal runway shows of the season.  Ms. Acra has spent time with women both celebrities and royals and thinks her job as a designer is to give them extra confidence as they made their appearance on the public stage.  She has taken the same drive, dedication to recreate this for her brides.

This collection has bold colors as accents, with whimsical details and there is a modern attitude that is synonymous with couture and style. The veils, cover-up’s, were amazing and absolutely lent additional glamour to each gown.  Even the gowns had their own special names: “Most Special, I am beautiful, Love Affair, Made with Passion, I am, All yours, Cloud Nine and Royal Look are just a few of my favorites.  Now, if you asked me which was my favorite of all the pieces…that would be the real challenge.

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Exclusive Reem Acra collection for Shopbop.com

The Reem Acra woman, ever in search of sumptuous material, elegant designs and couture detailing, now need not look beyond her laptop to get her fix. The capsule collection of ready to wear and bridal designs, available only on Shopbop, works for the most important occasions in her life. This is the first time, Designer Reem Acra will launch a capsule collection of exclusive apparel and accessories and created just for the Shopbop customer.

Of course you know that Shopbop has recently launched their bridal division and I’m sure they are feeling the heat with the hugely successful Net-a-porter.  Don’t get me wrong, unlike H&M or David’s bridal partnership with designers, these are not inexpensive.  Styles will range from an elegant beaded headband for $450 to $5400 for the very popular bridal gown Sunset Boulevard .

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Not only are these gowns and accessories beautiful, Reem knows that brides are busy and she wants to make it easier for you with this exclusive online access.  This is huge ladies and will be available July 2011.

Five days and counting….I need a royal dress.

Dear Lisa,

There is so much going on that I have had a tough time of keeping it all in order.  I wish everyone truly understood that this is not only an important time for me, but also extremely stressful.  Everyone has his or her opinion on what should happen, how it should happen and it’s timed down to the last second.  I think my planner even has my bathroom moments timed.

I need to take a moment and really search for my dress.  I actually have a good idea about the style I want and actually want to design it myself.  Is that simply crazy??  I also know that I want two more party dresses to change.  One for the family reception and then one for the real party with our friends that evening.  I also think that since we are now planning a breakfast the next morning with family and friends, I need yet one more outfit.

Yes there are just five days until our wedding, but I know that it will come together….I think.

Warmly,

Kate

Dear Kate,

Let’s take it one at a time.  Remember first, you must breathe.  I’ve seen more than one bride (and a few grooms) topple over because they get so stressed that they forget to take a moment to relax.  Secondly, this is your wedding – you and Will.  Nothing will happen before you both arrive so if you’re a few moments late…so be it!  Just don’t ‘be 30 minutes or more because that would be rude.

Communication with Will is extremely key at this time.  This is your partner and the person that you are saying (and he to you) that you want to spend the rest of your life with.  That means that you can discuss everything and truly share the stresses of this time with each other.  If he is a good guy, he’ll do his best to help you and you know what, I’m sure he’s a bit stressed as well.  If you can, why not take a few hours for a date?  Go to lunch, hang out in the park, go for a couples massage or take in a funny movie.  Just the two of you – away from all the prying eyes.  Connect and remember this: The Wedding is one day….the Marriage begins after the party stops.

I was wondering if you had your dress yet.  After just coming back from bridal market in NYC a few weeks ago, there are so many designers that have beautiful gowns.  There is Sassi Holsford, Temperly, Jasper Conran and Jenny Packham who are among my favorite British designers and who could absolutely design for the church or your receptions and parties.

There are also several other designers who have a princess like theme this year and I think they would be lovely for any of your wedding dresses.  Some of my favorites include Monique Lhuillier, St. Pucchi, Reem Acra, Claire Pettibone and of course Carolina Herrera.  A relatively new bridal designer, but he’s dressed lots of A-list celebrities, is Kevan Hall.  Priscilla of Boston has five separate lines under their umbrella that are beautiful, but Vintage line is my favorite for its chic, sophisticated yet youthful feel.  If you truly wanted to help design your own gown, you should set up an appointment with Amsale, Alfred Angelo, and Reem Acra who I know are always happy to collaborate with a bride that wants to help design their own gown.

Remember to breathe and all will be well.

Lisa

NYC Bridal market is winding down

Hi!  OMG the last 4 days have been on FIRE! Running from here to there; looking at countless dresses, speaking with designers and of course catching up with some of my friends in the industry.  Honestly, it is like a high school reunion.  OK, so I honestly hope that you’re been following along with my tweets and of course that you have subscribed to our facebook page.  There is just so much goodness on there, I can barely contain myself.

I’ve posted hundreds of photos from Reem Acra, Monique Lhuillier (did you hear my BIG an EXCLUSIVE ANNOUNCEMENT from Monique?! I’m the FIRST and ONLY Journalist she has shared this with!!), Ines Di Santo, Alfred Angelo, Simone Caravilli, Christos, Kenneth Pool, Amsale, Jenny Lee, Priscilla of Boston, St. Pucchi, Romona Keveza, Anne Bowen, Matthew Williamson, Vera Wang – WHEW!!  That’s only the first 4 days.  There are still more pictures to upload and shows today.  OH…look at the time.  I’ve gotta run, but…here are a few more of my favorite pictures.

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Remember, all the shows I attend, WILL HAVE PICTURES that I’ve taken (I tweet live from the shows – @bridalease) as well as the really pretty-pretty ones from my photographer when they are available.  There is just so much to share on trends, color, style and yes just a bit for the Royal Wedding.  I know!

Happy Monday