Simply Abu Dhabi XXVII

Ralph & Russo Ralph & Russo collections are, quite frankly, adored by those lucky enough to afford their fabulous creations. Their shows are generally filled with more clients than journalists and celebrities, meaning their clothes are selling exceptionally well. And the reason behind this phenomenon can be explained by simply considering this autumn/winter 2017/18 haute couture collection – an ode to lavish and luxury classic iconic dresses. From cocktail dresses to evening gowns, for which designers Tamara Ralph and Michael Russo are well known, the collection looked to master photographers like Richard Avedon, Norman Parkinson and Cecil Beaton, and reinterpreted their iconic images in a new andmodern dimension. Crystals, sequins, pearls, feathers, gold embroidery and plissé organza flowers were the true protagonists of this collection. The line reveals a mixture of cocktail suits and dresses, but the masterpiece of the entire collection was definitely the bride. For this occasion, Ralph & Russo’s muse, the Indian actress Sonaam Kapoor, was chosen to wear this incredible gown that took more than 6,000 hours to construct. The dress was created using a champagne Chantilly lace combined with a double duchess overskirt and train embroidered in silver, gold, florals, sequins and pearlescent micro beads. To help the bride turn around at the end of the runway it took four atelier assistants to manage the train…but the result was undeniably magnificent. 1 1 5 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I