Reem Acra

Reem Acra (Arabic: ريم عكرة) is a fashion designer born in Beirut, Lebanon, known for her eponymous bridal gown line and her ready-to-wear collection. Acra came to fame in 1999 for her bridal gowns. As a designer, she's known for detail, new and modern concepts and distinctive tailoring. Her designs are frequently seen on red carpets around the world.

Early life and education

Acra was born at the American University of Beirut Medical Center, where her parents both worked. Her mother, Nadia, worked in the family medicine department, and her father, Aftim, was a prominent and distinguished academic, professor, and public health expert.

Acra grew up with three brothers, Michael, Max, and Sari, in Beirut. A live-in seamstress would tailor dresses for her and her mother. She attributes her keen eye to this experience. Shopping with her mother in Beirut souks shaped her earliest experiences with fashion and fabric, and she became fascinated with beading and intricate embroidery after buying a vintage dress from a Bedouin at her mother's urging.