For the first time in a century since the inception of Paris Couture Week, something incredible has happened that a fashion house from Britain was granted the utmost privilege to showcase its couture magic here in full bloom. And more importantly it touched a chord with everybody out there waiting to catch a glimpse of something very sensational yet authentic.
Owned by Tamara Ralph and Michael Russo, Australian couple now based in London, the luxury couture brand name “Ralph & Russo” has only made headway since its launch in 2007.
From what we all got to see in terms of the couple’s beautiful creations emerging one by one on the runway during the Parisian Haute Couture Show where every element is put in place to simply accentuate the svelte shapes and grace of women, it’s no wonder why their designed dresses also stand in the race and are identified as one of the most preferred choices for famous personalities like Beyonce, Angelina Jolie and the Queen of Qatar, Sheikha Mozah.
So why not dig deeper into what they had in store for this most-awaited grand event in the fashion calendar?
As models wearing their gorgeous dresses started to strut down the catwalk, the instant reaction from the cheering crowd inside was of wow! We are glad to be witnessing the evergreen 1940s and 1950s when the notion of highly elegant fashion really reigned supreme. The duo focused on these two periods mainly because they were the so-called high points in fashion that the all-time great fashion photographers namely Walde Huth, Henry Clarke, Irvin Penn, Willy Maywald and Lillian Bassman captured so magically in their lens for good. The Ralph & Russo Spring/Summer 2014 collection brought that same feel to life. It’s an ode to a soignée and confident woman who never compromises when it comes to dressing.
Looks like their fashion empire is in an expansive phase at the moment! They have the third eye which makes them see the need to add luster to it in a special way. More so, they are Haute Couture’s new heartbeat. As Didier Grumbach, President of The Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, put it correctly, “We were looking for savoir faire which unfortunately is missing or being forgotten. But Ralph & Russo didn’t lose touch with that a bit, instead keeping this aspect alive all along. Their dresses were fabulous.”
Splendor of their couture
They did an excellent job on their exciting array of pieces that had been designed especially for this big occasion. The classic ball gowns in raspberry red, royal-blue and white with overflowing volumes in gazar and organza were absolutely tempting to the eyes for the sheer sophistication. They believe these are gowns that today’s women can’t resist at all just like Ava Gardner and Rita Hayworth (renowned Hollywood actresses in the 1940s) could have not. Besides, the cinched waists and the graphic silhouettes added a spark to the collection bringing those days’ style conscience to the fore. Then, we had chiffon neckties complementing razor-sharp tailored suits elegantly plus 50s-shaped pencil skirts with bow-belts wrapped all around in petal-like peplums. Some of the pieces had structural floral corsages carved on shoulders giving them a refined look. Moreover, drapes of georgettes swirled organically into crisp roses-some bursting at the hips into cascading trains. Even embellishments such as ornate patterns which were delicately hand-embroidered on silk crepe and Chantilly lace in salmon and rose-pink with the palette extending to dusty blues, pale greys and shimmery silvers in light georgettes and tulles seemed to augment the glam factor of the dresses.
Known for their brilliant craftsmanship, dazzling volume, hour-glass silhouettes with accentuated waists, impeccable taste and overall grandeur; it was just a matter of time before they fruitfully captured the spirits of allure, romance and timelessness which have been the fortes of haute couture for centuries.
From here on, there is only one thing to happen i.e. they will be noticing a big leap in their clientele!
