WASHINGTON: For one of her first inaugural weekend appearances on Thursday — a candlelight dinner at Union Station — US First Lady Melania Trump chose a shimmery gold dress from Lebanese-born, New York-based Reem Acra.
The designer, a Hollywood favorite, has also lived in Paris and Hong Kong. She is known for her eponymous bridal gowns and refined, often intricately crafted evening wear that draws from a diverse range of influences.
Acra’s involvement, however, fueled some social media remarks as Twitterati recalled President Donald Trump’s past remarks on immigration.
@BeirutCityGuide tweeted: “Why would @reem_acra dress Melania Trump? After everything her husband has said about Arabs and immigrants...”
A spokeswoman for Melania Trump said: “Mrs. Trump appreciates the well wishes she has received from around the world and looks forward to participating in the events of the next few days along with the American people.”
The Telegraph noted Trump’s choice for the pre-inauguration gala appeared to be a nod to both the US fashion industry and its global diversity.
Acra is also a red carpet go-to and was the designer behind the Jennifer Lopez’s similarly figure-hugging gown at the People’s Choice awards on Wednesday evening.
Trump chose a high-neck, long-sleeved gold gown with embroidery that one New York designer and longtime family friend of the Trumps, who was in the crowd, described Thursday night as “magnificent.”
Acra still maintains a home in Beirut.
In May 2013, she said, “(My) heart is here in the region,” when referring to Beirut.
Acra describes her work as “breathtaking collections in ready-to-wear and bridal” that “combines tradition with a modern aesthetic and leads the way by continuously redefining the boundaries of fashion,” according to her website — reemacra.com.
Choosing an Acra gown was a strategic move for the first lady, VanityFair reported.
The designer, a Hollywood favorite, has also lived in Paris and Hong Kong. She is known for her eponymous bridal gowns and refined, often intricately crafted evening wear that draws from a diverse range of influences.
Acra’s involvement, however, fueled some social media remarks as Twitterati recalled President Donald Trump’s past remarks on immigration.
@BeirutCityGuide tweeted: “Why would @reem_acra dress Melania Trump? After everything her husband has said about Arabs and immigrants...”
A spokeswoman for Melania Trump said: “Mrs. Trump appreciates the well wishes she has received from around the world and looks forward to participating in the events of the next few days along with the American people.”
The Telegraph noted Trump’s choice for the pre-inauguration gala appeared to be a nod to both the US fashion industry and its global diversity.
Acra is also a red carpet go-to and was the designer behind the Jennifer Lopez’s similarly figure-hugging gown at the People’s Choice awards on Wednesday evening.
Trump chose a high-neck, long-sleeved gold gown with embroidery that one New York designer and longtime family friend of the Trumps, who was in the crowd, described Thursday night as “magnificent.”
Acra still maintains a home in Beirut.
In May 2013, she said, “(My) heart is here in the region,” when referring to Beirut.
Acra describes her work as “breathtaking collections in ready-to-wear and bridal” that “combines tradition with a modern aesthetic and leads the way by continuously redefining the boundaries of fashion,” according to her website — reemacra.com.
Choosing an Acra gown was a strategic move for the first lady, VanityFair reported.
