Throwback: Reem Acra [Photography + fashion writing by Whitney S Williams]

Photography by Whitney S Williams

#TBT Tuesday: My coverage of Reem Acra's runway collection three years ago at Lincoln Center in New York; as an Editor for San Francisco-based Chictopia. 

Originally published on Chictopia.com:

Drawing inspiration from Daido Moriyama’s fish net stockings photos and recent travels to Japan, Reem Acra was able to add an exuberant sultry flavor to her Fall/Winter 2013 collection. Known for her intricate details and embellishments, Reem Acra remained true to those sensibilities that always render her designs glamorous and elite, yet by using the influences of Japan and Moriyama, there was a definite vivacious addition to this collection. From black-to-red ombre fur coats to high-slit gowns revealing thigh-high stockings, one cannot help but see a little Red Light District in each look; and I say that kindly. No matter how hard Reem Acra might try to throw a little trash into her impeccably classy designs, they will still remain just that- impeccable and classy.

This year on the runway, a lot of designers turned to a palette of black, red and white, and a lot of these collections fell short as a result. Perhaps a different color palette could have resuscitated these lackluster designs, but that is wishful thinking. Reem Acra understands— with an acute vision— that color, design and fabric need to sync, and she also never lets color distract from a beautiful garment. This is case-in-point why her all-black looks can shine just a brightly a huge red fur coat in her collections. The Reem Acra Fall/Winter 2013 collection, like so many of her past collections, aggrandizes the female form beautifully yet even in the most provocative looks, never looks cheap.

Theme Travels to Japan and Daido Moriyama’s abstract photographs of the female body in fish net stockings gives Reem Acra’s F/W 2013 collection a very sexy, very Bond-girl look. Kimonos, sculpted elements and high slits exemplify her approach to this collection.

Beauty Slicked-down low buns with severe side parts and a sultry berry lip.

Stand-outs A black illusion gown with web beading (and opera gloves to match), a black leather knee-length wrap-front dress and that red fur coat.

Written by Whitney S. Williams

Photography by Whitney S. Williams

A Tribute to Bill Cunningham

Photo by Whitney S Williams

I am convinced that Bill Cunningham was photographing me photographing him. ;) Also, that's Karlie Kloss.

Photo by Whitney S Williams

Bill Cunningham's eye is that of someone who did not judge those based on their chosen attire; he embraced the quirky, the demure, the bold, the minimal, the trendy, the elegant. He saw style everywhere in subtle and not-so-subtle ways. He himself always chose to wear the same uniform: a blue hardware store jacket that he discovered on a trip to Paris and took a liking to because of its big pockets. Once one got too ratty, he'd find another exactly like it. As a result, you could spot him from a mile away at fashion shows, and when he was around, he created this atmosphere that was so delightful that it was almost intoxicating; he brought about the realization that dressing should never be taken too seriously.

These are some photos I've taken of Bill Cunningham during various fashion weeks in NYC, like at the Carolina Herrera show where he looked so thrilled by the designs; so much so that I started focusing on him instead of the clothes. Another: He was photographing Nicole Richie and Rachel Zoe, and again, I just wanted to photograph him, because he is my hero; a true class act.

Heavy heart today. Rest in peace.

(VIDEO) Custo Barcelona SS14 Collection

Did you know I also shoot video? I took a moment to capture some footage at the shows during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week with Chictopia. Here we have a backstage look at the Spring/Summer 2014 Runway Show of Custo Barcelona.

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By Whitney S. Williams

Custo Barcelona SS14 Collection - A LA LADYWOLF + CHICTOPIA

Photos by me (Whitney S. Williams) for Chictopia.com

I went backstage at the Custo Barcelona Spring/Summer 2014 Runway Show to snap shots for Chictopia. The fabrics, the colors, the life; I always love the vibrant nature of Custo's clothing.

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By Whitney S. Williams

Video Diary: New York Fashion Week

My video compilation of the happenings during the F/W 2013 presentations and runway shows at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in February '13.

Video by Whitney S. Williams