For Spring 2020, Reem Acra took her bridal collection to church, unveiling her latest offering at St. Barts—the historic parish and New York City landmark on Park Avenue. Acra’s shows have always been a sort of religious experience, certainly for those who worship at the altar of romance. In a long-standing collaboration with event designer and friend Preston Bailey, Acra has developed a storied history of runway presentations woven with a rich and highly visual narrative thread. The plotline this season: A thank-you note Acra wrote to God in her Bible as a teen. As the words boomed over the speakers at the show’s start, it read like a message from above.
Acra’s bridal spectacular began (to the tune of Madonna’s “Papa Don’t Preach”) with a procession of six tiny flower girls in frothy pink tulle gowns embroidered with phrases like “Love” and “Keep Dreaming.”
Then came the opening look: A bride dressed in all white, save for a pale pink wedding veil dusted with crystals. She sang along to an instrumental version of “Lucky Star,” and a Madonna soundtrack continued to play throughout the show.
As brides boogied down the aisle to “Like a Prayer” and “Borderline,” it became clear that Madonna and Acra both share the same flair for theatrics and transformations. The designer blended historical references with modern verve, most notably in the playful color palette. Painterly shades of blush, nude, and navy seemed to recall the church’s glittering mosaics. A series of bridal looks came saturated in a single, standout hue; see the sleeveless A-line gown in pink silk georgette, paired with a pink tulle veil and gargantuan bedazzled sunglasses to match.
As in previous collections, Spring 2020 placed a heavy emphasis on accouterments. In what was perhaps a cruelty-free reimagining of Jesus’s crown of thorns, many brides wore elaborate headdresses strung from ropes of pearls and rosary-style beads, plus the occasional flower buds.
This season also saw the introduction of menswear, with custom suiting designed by Joseph Abboud—a partnership Acra likened to a fruitful marriage. Far from traditional tuxes and tails, grooms wore tricked-out suiting covered in crystals and pearls—ornamental details that mirrored the clergy’s own intricately worked vestments. It was all done in cheeky, good fun, demonstrated by a blazer emblazoned with “TAKEN” on the back.
“For me, this collection was about sending a message to the world that brides can do anything and be whoever they want,” Acra explained. “I didn’t want my friends and guests to just come and see wedding dresses—I wanted them to feel something.” Consider it a touch of divine inspiration.
