The “girl in the dress” is back in one of her go-to labels.
Taylor Swift released “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version),” the re-recording of her 2010 third studio album, on Friday — and snuck one of her signature Easter eggs into the updated LP’s artwork by posing in a lilac look by Reem Acra, the same designer behind the iconic purple dress seen on the original “Speak Now” cover.
The Lebanon-born couturier, who’s also outfitted celebrities like Olivia Wilde, Jennifer Lopez and Kate Hudson, tells Pvnew Style that both fashion moments came as complete surprises, as she had “no idea” Swift was planning to wear her work either time.
“I discovered it at the time of the [album’s] release,” Acra recalls of the “Sparks Fly” singer selecting a strapless violet ballgown from her spring 2007 collection for her initial “Speak Now” shoot.
More than a decade later, she was just as “happily surprised” to see the singer wear another of her designs — this time a pastel pleated tulle creation with a delicately embellished bodice — on the back cover of her re-recorded version and throughout the album art.
“I was thrilled to say the least,” Acra says. “It is a big honor to see her in my creation 13 years later.”
Added the designer, “I love that she picked this dress in particular — it is very dreamy and modern at the same time.”
Swift and her stylist, Joseph Cassell, have opted for Reem Acra designs on a number of other occasions over the years.
At a 2013 Kensington Palace gala, the songstress performed for guests including Prince William wearing an angelic off-the-shoulder gown with sparkling embroidery that fit right in with the night’s Winter Whites theme.
She also accepted the Milestone Award at the the 2015 ACM Awards in an ice blue dress with side cutouts, subtle shimmer and a thigh-high slit.
And rather appropriately, Swift even wore a strapless wedding gown from Reem Acra’s bridal collection in her music video for “Speak Now” lead single “Mine” in 2010.
“I am grateful,” Acra says of the star’s continued support of her work. “Taylor knows what she likes and what she wants.”
