Reem Acra's Ravashing Gowns- Fall 2008 Preview

During SPRING 2007 Fashion Week, Reem Acra offered a stunning collection of mostly special event dresses that would be the envy of any woman. The designer? The very talented Reem Acra. The theme of Spring's collection was"Old Hollywood glam rags, with a "young, modern twist." And, as a surprise finale, the designer came out to talk her bow, and set her tiny, fluffy, white dog onto the runway!



The first week in February marks the FALL 2008 Fashion Week in NYC (and I'll be there, of course) even thought we haven't made it through Winter or Spring yet, but today I battled the throngs of holiday tourists on Fifth Avenue (and a parade of horse carts), to take a first look at the Reem Acra Fall collection.

Festive music played (I picked out a jazzy version of "Sweet Georgia Brown"), as members of the press took photos and walked around the room, taking photos of models, the gowns, and of Reem Acra herself (here she is next to one of her opulent, purple gowns). She was dressed head to toe in black, with a generous helping of glittery necklaces adding a festive touch. Of course anything Reem Acra designs will add a "festive touch!"

As with the Spring collection, the emphasis is on the waist, with few sleeves in sight. Ladies, start toning up nows Even though the waistlines are defined, however, the graceful, flowing skirts are kind to wide hips, helping the wearer to look elegant and "willowy." There was lots of draping, beading, and wrapped bodices. Many of the gowns were in classic black, but there was also "modern" black -- a super-deep version of another color. One I liked is "Blue Night." It looks black, but it's actually, blackened blue. Here, a model ("Karen") is wearing a silk satin strapless gown with embroidered bodice and mermaid skirt in "Blue Night." It's less harsh on Karen's delicate complexion. Other colors in the collection included red, gold metallic, grey,chocolate, jewel green, purples, and an impressive dark teal.

There wasn't a single gown in the collection I personally wouldn't die to own, such as this gorgeous tulle embroidered gown in gold (actually, it was a soft brown) that reminds me of something actress Kate Winslet might have worn in "Titanic;" the the silk chiffon hand-draped bodice with off-shoulder cap sleeve, soft cowl back and embroidered bodice detail in jewel purple that would make all those workouts and diets, worthwhile; or this amazing gold-topped gown. As with the Spring 2007 collection, there were plenty of silky and flowing fabrics in chiffon, satin, taffeta and tulle. Details on special occasion gowns are important, and Reem Acra knows how to please. Details to note in this collection run the gamut from simple to simply decadent. For example:

intricate roses and embroidery. Crystals in delicate patterns that shimmer whenever you move, An empire-style beaded top with a richly encrusted beaded design



My favorite dress in this Fall 2008 collection is the showstopper above, a silk organza embroidered gown in nude black. It reminds me of a dress my (original) Barbie had, called "Solo in the Spotlight." I always thought the doll-sized creation was the stuff of pure fantasy until I saw the dress in this photo. Suddenly what was only a little girl's dream was realized as a woman's object of desire, right in front of my eyes! I can just imagine Jennifer Lopez or Mariah Carey in this gown, can't you?

When you are wearing a unique designer gown, it is the focus. Your hair and makeup need to complement it. Here is model "Simone," in a "Jewel Purple" silk chiffon hand-draped bodice with off-shoulder cap sleeve, soft cowl back and embroidered bodice detail. Her sleek, low ponytail uses her own hair an ornament/wrap. The hair was created by Tasha Jetter for the John Barrett Salon at Bergdorf Goodman. This is a look you can re-create for your own holiday soirees. The makeup was simple and fresh, without deep color, but just enough rose on the lips to make things interesting and romantic, created by James Boehmer for NARS.