Unlike other parts of the world, America does not have a monarchy in place. But the fun part is that girls can still dress like a princess, especially with Reem Acra’s Spring/Summer 2011 collection, where she creates looks suited for a what she calls an “American Princess.”
Showcasing the collection at her Fifth Avenue showroom on Monday, Reem Acra states in her show notes, “An American Princess doesn’t have to deal with centuries of tradition and etiquette. She does what she wants, how she wants and when she wants.” She says her inspiration for this collection came from dressing real-life princesses.
The looks covered a wide variety of attire, from daytime wear such as silk wide-leg houndstooth pants paired with a leather belt – appropriate for city chic to evening-wear that consists of a mermaid gown with embroidery, suited for a black-tie event. Acra mentions that her idea of an “American Princess” has a closet filled with treasures for day and night and has the skill to mix pieces effortlessly – like flea market vintage finds with a couture dress – to create her own visionary style. It’s easy to see how some French chic influences were conveyed in the collection, mixed with the flair of American modernity.
Much of the collection featured pale colors, which served as a background for detailed textures and embroideries. Many of the dresses also feature sequins that shimmer in the light – and we all know that princesses love all things that glitter and gleam. But those dresses that didn’t have the extra embellishments were still elegant on its own, such as two gowns that were made of silk chiffon accessorized with a leather belt to make it “pop.”
The hairstyles channeled a 70s vibe with long, wavy locks parted right in the middle, which went perfectly with the chunky stone necklaces that hung in the deep necklines.
Reem Acra’s Spring collection brings tastes of luxury and stylish modern elegance in each of the pieces – ideas that not only an American princess, but princesses all around, would desire the most.