Reem Acra Pre-Fall: American Glamour

New York – The theme of Reem Acra's Pre-Fall 2011 collection, shown in New York on Wednesday, Dec. 15, was "American Glamour," but the Lebanese-born designer incorporated many exotic influences in this collection of sparkly eveningwear, with looks that would be at home in a Bollywood musical or an exclusive penthouse in Dubai. They're dresses that most certainly could rock the red carpet this award's season.

And in fact, Halle Berry already donned a short gold sequined cocktail number from this collection in Los Angeles last week at Spike TV's Scream Awards for a swinging look that could have secured her another role as a Bond Girl if she'd wanted it.

From short to long, hand-beaded dresses in intricate, difficult to produce geometric patterns formed the basis of Reem Acra's collection, per her usual couture-level finishing. There were Art Deco-esque stunners in black with contrasting gold sequins, a long and lean flapper dress in emerald green with an ethereal handkerchief hem, Grecian goddess gowns with clever draping across the front for a flattering effect, shimmery in-house dyed metallic lace on luxuriously draped strapless gowns and richly dyed caftans in colors exclusive to the collection with regal gold trimmed collars.

Though there were only a few separates, these were as luxurious and evening-ready as the gowns, with wide legged pants made from fluid, thick crepe and capelets in the delicately dyed lace.

Without a doubt, Halle Berry won't be the last time we see Reem Acra designs appear on the red carpet in the coming weeks.