From the Runway

Before designer Reem Acra‘s fall/winter 2015 show, I had the privilege to pop backstage for an exclusive one-on-one interview with the designer to discuss the collection, accessorizing, and even a bit about social media. See below for the (transcribed) interview, which at the start was accompanied by the ultimate compliment; Reem said that she loved my necklace and that it “belonged in the collection!” Nice!

Julia DiNardo: I see that your collection is beautifully embellished, just incredible Reem! How would you accessorize something already so beautiful?

Reem Acra: You don’t need to put anything with it, but you know, I’m the type that something more is better, but it depends on the way that you layer can make it even more beautiful, sometimes beautiful earrings or even a crown could look good with it!

JD: I heard that this collection was inspired by the 70s, by Stevie Nicks portraits that she took of herself?

RA: Yes, self-portraits of herself from the ’70s; they are magical! And I translated them (the photos) right into the collection, it was good to do!

JD: And when you are thinking about the ’70s, what details or what parts of thee body or garment do you think about when you are modernizing it for the woman in 2015?

RA: I kept it very cool, very today’s girl; she is a modern, modern gypsy. I didn’t make her look old, neither did I make her look vintage-y, but I made her think that, okay, maybe a piece of it could have been from that era, but then she layered it with something that’s from today, and so rather it’s a mixture of silhouettes and texture, and the lengths are just so modern. Nothing about it is old or has been seen before.

JD: So it’s the modern mix?

RA: Yes, exactly, the modern mix of dressing today.

JD: And my last question: thinking about social media; have you used it or looked at  Instagram to interact with clients or customers? Are you fascinated by it?

RA: I’m fascinated with it of course because I’m a newcomer, and this is the first time that I’ve hired a specialist and she is guiding me on how to go forward with social media because I think it’s the only way and the best way to really get our customers directly, so I’m excited; it’s the future!

See additional images from Reem Acra’s fall/winter 2015 show here, and follow along on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.