“I wanted to stay in my magical garden,” cooed Reem Acra backstage at her fall bridal show, echoing a quote in the show’s program. “You’ll see lots of ballgowns in this collection, far more than I’ve ever done,” she continued. “That’s what I see for 2017. Yes, we have the mermaids, the fit-and-flares, but really my focus was the ballgown. It’s all about capturing happiness, this mood of lightness.” Set to an energetic post-punk soundtrack, Acra’s garden nymphs worked the runway with tiny flowers in their hair and lace butterflies across their décolletage. The designer rendered the aforementioned fit-and-flare gowns with plunging lace and illusion bodices and off-the-shoulder necklines or delicate cap sleeves. But it was, indeed, the ballgowns that sparkled literally, with metallic sequin and floral embroidery and floated down the runway, thanks to tiered layers of weightless silk gazar and sheer tulle. The show’s closing look, a fully embroidered sheer long-sleeve top and skirt covered in 3-D appliqués, took maximalism to new levels.
