Reem Acra

“The Middle Eastern woman is sophisticated; she is modern. She knows fashion more than anyone else, and she is really sexy, and she does know how to live fashion, and I think we can all learn from each other.”

“Beirut is where I was born and raised.”

“Every few months, I find myself in Europe or the Middle East.”

“Yes, there are obstacles as a woman; there is no doubt about it.”

“The more traditional bride still prefers white or ivory, but the young girls... seem to like the idea of using colors.”

“My top styling tips for brides are, first and foremost, to be careful not to go overboard with makeup. The goal is to look like yourself, just a bit enhanced!”

“Mini dresses that have an over skirt of tulle makes it traditional and modern at the same time.”

“How cool it is to see a bride walking down the aisle with a beautiful long gown with beautiful layers of tulle and organza, unveiling their mini dress at the party?”

“Try everything on, even gowns that you don't think you'll love. You might be surprised and fall in love with a gown that you weren't drawn to at first.”

“I always said that I want to write a book about success and my story and my brand and everything that goes with it, as a woman, as a leader, as someone who has stepped up to the plate and who opens the door for the rest of the women from the Middle East.”

“In designing my bridal collections, I love mixing luxe fabrics, which give the most beautiful texture and dimension to my creations.”

“Your wedding is your red carpet moment, and while brides definitely can take some chances with style, you don't want to look like a fad.”

“I love bags, and little bags within bags. Everything is contained.”

“Growing up in Beirut, I used to go to the souks with my mother to buy fabrics... I understood fashion at an early age, and my first designs were when I was five.”

“My brother Max made my desk. It's a masterpiece, like a piano. Everybody who comes in my office loves my desk.”

“Too often, bridal shows are boring - I love including a small, unexpected element to make it interesting, like the removable skirts and umbrellas in seasons past.”

“I come from a specific area in Beirut where it's multicultural, and it's a culture that blends with multiple cultures - it's unbelievable lifestyle.”

“I always ask my brides, 'Who are you, and what do you want to tell everybody?'”