Bridal powerhouse Reem Acra now oversees an empire that includes a thriving ready-to-wear collection and a growing accessories business. Beyoncé, Madonna, Angelina Jolie, Jane Fonda, Taylor Swift, Marcia Cross and Halle Berry are just a few of the countless stars that have walked down aisles and red carpets in one of her creations. In between wrapping her Spring 2016 ready-to-wear collection and presenting her latest bridal designs, we caught up with the Lebanese-born, New York-based designer to ask her our quickfire questions.
- I usually wake up around… 7:00 a.m.
- A key to starting my day on a positive note is… taking a moment to reflect on something joyful and sip a cappuccino.
-
When it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle I… try to balance work and play.
-
The most inspiring place I have ever traveled to is… Turkey; my travels there inspired parts of my Spring 2016 RTW collection.
-
My most treasured piece of clothing is… a beautiful Bedouin belt that I bought as a child and inspired my Spring 2016 RTW collection.
-
The best gift I ever received was… love and support from my family when I needed it.
-
When I’m looking to get inspired I… try to travel. I have always found endless inspiration by visiting exotic places around the world or by just walking on the streets of New York.
-
When I’m stressed I… close my door to take a moment to breathe and reflect.
-
What keeps me excited about working in fashion is… creating something beautiful and new every time.
-
If my days had one extra hour I’d… spend it with my friends and family!
-
My beauty essentials include… moisturizer.
-
I’m most excited for Spring 2016 because… this collection was so personal to me and inspired by my childhood.
-
I’d never travel without… Oliver Peoples sunglasses.
-
My biggest fashion pet peeve is… I don’t really have a pet peeve. Fashion is a way for people to express themselves, so there is no right or wrong.
-
Now that NYFW is over I… am focused on my bridal collection.
-
The best piece of advice I ever received… is to follow your heart and your dreams.
-
Every woman should own… classic pieces that fit perfectly and can be updated with seasonal accessories.
-
Every man should own… a pair of wingtip shoes.
-
My biggest style regret is… I try not to focus on regrets!
-
On a typical Saturday I… never have a typical Saturday.
-
The one career highlight I’ll never forget is… when a celebrity calls me herself.