View the full collection in our Photo Gallery.
story by Seth Friedermann
photos by Charles Beckwith
When you’re viewing the work of a great fashion designer you cannot simply cast a cursory glance at the design and make a decision. The skill level and ability of the best of the best requires that you study and absorb to understand precisely what you are looking at. Reem Acra is certainly a designer of that caliber, and compels such a level of effort. It was particularly important for her Spring 2012 collection as she, like many designers this season, changed her design direction.
This collection did not abandon any of her signatures, such as her love intricate embroidery, use of crystal and jeweled accents, or her deft touch in creating illusions. Rather, they were applied in different ways and on surprising fabrics, chiefly leather. That’s right, Reem Acra and leather in the same sentence. These were by no means biker jackets or dominatrix basques, but it was a delightful surprise nonetheless. The collection overall was incredible, intricate, sexy, intelligent, and head turning. The looks were for the most part very slinky and snug and of course because of the ridiculously high quality of both fabric and technique, very, very sophisticated. This has to be mentioned as one of Mrs. Acra’s strengths; she knows that she chooses materials that are sure to be noticed on their own, so though she embellishes she never over-does it, letting the fabric speak for itself.
Some highlights included two incredible rich jewel toned prints done on silk charmeuse, one in a pencil skirt and the other in a sheath dress that were absolutely magnetic. A hypnotically sparkling parade of silver and gold dresses and skirts were simply marvelous to behold. Most of the aforementioned leathers were treated in such a way that they had such a softness and pliability that many of them were not easily recognizable as hide. The finale dress, employing fairy-thin transparent material at the shoulders, seemed to be painted-on from the collarbones down, and in a collection of magnificent pieces, was still above and beyond, truly spectacular. I could go on and laud every single piece as a standout for one reason or another, but I’ll let the photos speak. Let the oohing, ahhing, and coveting commence.
