RALPH AND RUSSO IMPRESS AT COUTURE FASHION WEEK
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger
The ultimate in style lit every star in the evening sky at Couture Fashion Week held in Paris, France from January 19th through the 23rd, 2014. The luxurious and lavish fashions that graced the runways were unmistakably magical and gave off a prominent air of elegance. It was the debut of the Spring/Summer 2014 Collections from such well-known designers meant for exclusive fashion lovers. Jean Paul Gaultier, Zuhair Murad and the houses of Chanel and Giorgio Armani Prive continue to make their mark on high society. Lady Gaga raised some eyebrows with a more couture look about her as she attended the Atelier Versace show. The fashions were absolutely mesmerizing. Intricate detail and the richness of the fabrics make haute couture a stand-out sector of the fashion world.
This season, on January 23, 2014, history was made for the first time in 100 years in haute couture. A British brand became a strong highlight of Fashion Week with a young and highly-talented duo, Ralph and Russo, bringing their newest collection to Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week for the very first time. Some of the most gorgeous fashions that you will ever witness could be seen. Celebrities such as Angelina Jolie and Beyonce’ look elegant beyond belief in Ralph and Russo and we see the designers’ pieces not only being photographed on the Red Carpet but under the bright lights of the stage and on the streets of some of the greatest fashion capitals in the world.
So who exactly is this design duo taking over the runway and hypnotizing their audience? Ralph and Russo founded their brand in 2007 and have worked diligently to make a name for themselves on the pages of fashion publications and to instill positive acceptance by media moguls. Ralph and Russo focus specifically on haute couture targeting an international clientele. They create a more personal appeal with each and every one of their satisfied customers. They hail from Australia and choose to create from their studio in London. They know exactly what they want to portray in their creations and they accomplish that with beauty.
“Traditionally, couture was bought by a more mature customer,” Russo said. “But, it’s appealing to a much younger woman now – girls in their twenties who want something unique, modern and timelessly elegant. Childrenswear is becoming much more popular too.” They were brimming with excitement eager to show their collection to the world and Russo was ready to express what brought them to this place in their lives.
This collection was inspired by the glamour of the 40’s and 50’s and femininity ruled. The runway was filled with silk, satin, sequins, intricate beading, sophisticated peplum tops with plunging v-neckline paired with pencil skirts and the ever popular cigarette pant. Capes were chic couture with beading through and through and big bows, ruffles and flouncy skirts stole the moment. Black and white only carried out the entire concept in a most aristocratic manner. Strapless with slits, long ruffled trains, exaggerated shoulders were all part of the glory of a woman caught in time. Gloves stretching up to the elbow enticed as a flavorful accessory. These pieces would have made Audrey Hepburn feel like ravishing royalty, no doubt. Simplicity of design was more than just an afterthought.
As is customary at a haute couture fashion show, the blushing bride created the grand finale and the look from Ralph and Russo left us in sheer awe at the innocent yet beguiling beauty of the model and the gown that she showed off.
This collection was most likely one of the most memorable and ultimately glamorous of Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2014. History was meant to be made in 2014.
PHOTO CREDITS: StyleBistro.com, upi.com, agentluxe.com and Reuters/Benoit Tessier and Gonzalo Fuentes
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