Cheryl Shops

When & where: Monday, February 13 at 3 p.m., the Stage, Lincoln Center
Runway recap: Reem Acra's gowns frequently turn up on the red carpet, but considering Madonna wore one of her dresses to the Golden Globes last month, Acra has been thrust into the spotlight. With her fall/winter show, she used that spotlight wisely, showcasing one sexy, glimmering look after another: from short, sliver, and skintight to black, beaded, and simply beautiful. A series of cutout dresses either bared a significant amount of skin or were held together, daringly, with sheer insets of nude mesh. For the Spanx-averse, there were a few looser looks with flapper-esque silhouettes, as well as some buttery leather and lightly sequined ladylike daytime looks, but the body-conscious looks played a starring role.
Bonus points: One of the more dramatic sets I've seen this week, Acra used a bright red backdrop and a shiny runway, which, to keep clean pre-show, was roped off and carefully guarded. Without paparazzi and TV cameras and reporters crowding around, it made for an actually serene environment—a true rarity during Fashion Week.
Where to buy: Click here for store locations.