In the same vein, Ms. Acra generally avoids strapless dresses in the spring and summer.

WSJ: Summer Evening Wear That's Both Light and Chic

And Zooey Deschanel went the princess route in a frothy pale blue Reem Acra ball gown.

FORBES: Heidi Klum, Nicole Kidman, Sofia Vergara Sizzle On The Emmy Awards Red Carpet

When it comes to shoes, Ms. Acra steers clear of chunky styles, favoring strappy heels or flats.

WSJ: Summer Evening Wear That's Both Light and Chic

The singer showed up in a strapless, floor-length tulle gown with gold beading and applique designed by Reem Acra.

FORBES: The Red Carpet At The 2011 American Music Awards

The Acra camp shelters some 20, 000 people in makeshift tents and shacks on Delmas Avenue, a main thoroughfare in Port-au-Prince.

UNESCO: CULTURE

While Ms. Acra likes having some bling in her dress, she believes in toning down her accessories for warm-weather evening events.

WSJ: Summer Evening Wear That's Both Light and Chic

For parties at the beach, Ms. Acra likes dresses with a flowing silhouette that are "maybe a little bit open in the back" or have cowl necklines.

WSJ: Summer Evening Wear That's Both Light and Chic

If Ms. Acra is the host of the event or the star of the party, she tries to dress the part, noting that she may don a long gown, perhaps even with a small train.

WSJ: Summer Evening Wear That's Both Light and Chic