Simply Abu Dhabi XXXI

RALPH & RUSSO ‘ Clothes, like good architecture, have to respond to a rhythm of life. You can’t be elegant without being graceful and you can’t be graceful if you’re not at ease,’ declaimed once Jacqueline de Ribes. The Autumn/Winter 2018 haute couture collection by Ralph & Russo was inspired by the spirit of the famous and stylish Comtesse Jacqueline de Ribes, a style icon of the 80s and an haute couture enthusiast. vivid colours, modern and provocative cuts that revealed an interplay of see-through, colour-blocking and intricate beading and feathers dominated the show that stood out for its rock’n’roll slant on the bon-ton girlish Ralph & Russo woman that we have been used to seeing since their first Paris debut 10 seasons ago. Even with this new interpretation of their luxurious style, the show salon was packed with clients from all over the world who had come to see and purchase the Tamara Ralph and Michael Russo latest creations. The major theme of the show was transparency. In fact, most of the dresses (short dresses and gowns) enhanced the see-through effect with cuts way up the hips. This gossamer transparency, which could have ruined the entire collection by making it look cheap and vulgar, was discreetly provocative and tailored and cut so skilfully that it was a creative success. In fact, this meticulous cut and interplay of fabrics made the collection powerful and rock rather than cheap and unrefined, showing that in haute couture, creativity goes hand-in-hand with expert craftsmanship and knowledge of sewing. Isn’t that the real spirit of couture?