Designer to the Stars: Reem Acra

Designer to the world’s most prominent celebrities Reem Acra has redefined femininity and glamour with her exceptional style and refined taste. From ready-to-wear to haute couture and bridal gowns, Acra’s creations have been worn by celebrities and royals the world over.

Lebanon-born, New York-based Acra understands how women want to look and feel, working her magic to create stunning designs that embody the spirit of both class and allure. With her innate fashion sense, her flair for luxury and her uncanny ability to combine Eastern finesse and Western simplicity to create spectacular designs, Acra has harnessed the love and loyalty of a truly discerning clientele.

A Fashion Fairytale

Acra’s debut into the fashion world was in itself the stuff of fairytales as sheer chance helped lead her to her destiny. During her time as a student at the American University of Beirut, Acra created an eye-catching organza gown from her mother’s tablecloth and wore it to a party where she was spotted by a fashion editor. Impressed with her taste, style and skill, the editor hosted a fashion show for Acra soon after. The rest, as they say, is history. Acra took off to study at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and its Paris counterpart École Supérieure des Arts et Techniques de la Mode (ESMOD).

In 1997 Acra launched her fashion company with a bridal collection featuring gowns that were exceptional, majestic and feminine – with an ethereal feel. Her work became an instant success, prompting her to launch six years later her prêt-a-porter collection, which mirrored the signature style and impeccable quality of her bridal line. Today, Acra’s prêt-a-porter and bridal collections are available at exclusive retailers such as Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue in the United States. Acra also maintains an international presence in over two-dozen countries at luxury retail outlets such as Harrods in London and Saks Fifth Avenue and Harvey Nichols in the Middle East. The designer also has a stand-alone boutique in her home city of Beirut. Opened in 2010, the 440sqm Reem Acra boutique is a luxurious retail space in the heart of downtown Beirut, designed by Acra’s brother, Max.

Starry Style

Acra is known for her ability to create the look that perfectly complements a woman’s personality, which led her clients to depend on her whenever they needed to look their absolute best. Not only did they love what she did with fine silks, intricate embroidery and embellishments, but also her ability to bring out every woman’s unique beauty through her creations.

Acra has dressed some of the world’s most renowned style icons and trendsetters. From weddings, to red carpets and award ceremonies, Acra’s designs have draped the silhouettes of celebrities that include Angelina Jolie, Madonna, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Halle Berry, Beyoncé Knowles, Eva Longoria, Jane Fonda and Olivia Munn, as well as rising starlets like Kristen Stewart, Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift. Most recently, Acra’s designs made an appearance during the George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin wedding in Venice, where the groom’s mother, sister-in-law and mother-in-law were all dressed in Reem Acra.

Acra is a fashion authority, spreading her fabulous taste and expertise from East to West. She is a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America and serves on the Board of the Dubai Design and Fashion Council. Acra has aimed high, and has landed amongst the stars!