Hard Working Beginnings

Born in Beirut, Labanon Reem Acra attended the American University of Beirut Medical Center. She joined a fashion organization and graduated with a business degree in 1982. Several years later in 1986 she graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology.

In 1997 Acra started her Bridal collection. She brought 20,000 dollars worth of fabric and pitched designs to Saks Fifth Avenue and Kleinfeld. Today Acra is known for her ready to wear and bridal designs. Recently, Hidden Figures actress, Taraji P. Henson wore her gown on the 2017 Screen Actors Guild Award Red Carpet. Acra has dressed celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Jannelle Monae, Angelina Jolie, and Gwen Stafani and many more.

In her recent collection, I love the sheer evening  gowns and her play on velvet black  bows. It gives feminine romantic vibes which I like to see in gowns and evening wear. Watch her 2017 Bridal Fashion show here.

Back in February, Derek Lam showed off his 2011 spring collection in New York at Mercedes-Benz  Fashion week. His collection is quite simple with fitted trousers, flared denim jeans, casual short and long dresses. A few important pieces would be the white trench coat with the gold buttons and the blue printed halter dress.

Lam got his career started by working for Micheal Kors and debuted his own line in 2003. He won the Council of Fashion Designers Award and NY Mag notes that he is known for his “soft silhouettes and seventies homage.”  A few of his clients include Aerin Lauder, Barbara Bush, Liv Tyler and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Don’t skip out on long skirts or dresses, especially during early spring. You can find printed dresses anywhere but you can never go wrong with Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Target, Macy’s or Nordstrom Rack. Watch highlights of Lam’s show below.

Georgian born designer David Koma showed off his 2011 fall line at London’s fashion week. Koma, short for Komakhidze is known for his futuristic yet  playful designs, including the popular metal tubes. In 2009  stars like Beyoncé, and Rihanna  have been seen wearing Koma’s eclectic artwork. Lady Gaga wore Koma in her video “Dazed”.

For this spring season Koma played it safe by sticking with white and blushed pink, pleated dresses. Colors of black and white and some metallic gold were added to the pencil skirts and  bodices with bold, linear patterns. In two words described: futuristic and ballerina styles combined.

 Koma designed clothes for Top Shop that went on sale February 16. Unfortunately I went to the website and discovered that some pieces are only available if you change your region to Britain. But no worries, just look for dresses with some jeweled or beaded detail around the top of the shoulders and pleatedskirts or dresses. I found some similar styles from Macy’s, Forever 21 and Top shop.

$22.99 Macy's

$72.00 Top Shop

$17.80 ForeverXXI

$17.99 Macy's

Wu drew his inspiration from French illustrator Rene Gruau and Brazilian artist Beatriz Milhazes. Milhazes artwork, of vibrant colors and patterns was applied in Wu’s designs.

Get inspired this spring by wearing bright floral detailed dresses. Prom season is approaching soon.  Focus on gowns made of chiffon with some floral detail along the neck or shoulders and a flow appeal when you walk.  You don’t have to spend a fortune to get this glamorous look, but you should use Wu’s inspiration towards finding the perfect spring dress.

Illusion High Low Dress $238.00

Strapless Rosette Chiffon Silk Gown $199

strapless-cut-out-flowing-trim-chiffon-silk-gown-by-vu-collections $199