Ralph & Russo Autumn/Winter 2018 Couture Collection

London duo, Ralph & Russo fused 80s silhouettes with a modern aesthetic this July for the AW18 couture shows in Paris.

Tamara Ralph and Michael Russo were, of course, tipped to design Meghan Markle’s wedding dress and, although we all know how that turned out, it’s brought a lot more attention to the brand in recent months.

For their autumn couture collection they chose Jacqueline de Ribes, an aristocratic Parisian fashion icon who turns 89 this month, as their muse. De Ribes’ personal collection of haute couture and ready-to-wear was showcased at the Costume Institute in New York back in 2015, as she has been on the Vanity Fair International Best Dressed List for over 50 years.

The collection consisted of clean and crisp white column gowns adorned with feathers – some with daring thigh-high splits. This contrasted with the models’ statement red lips, purple tinged eyes, and hair back-combed high on top of their heads styled into a large quiffs. It’s a look that transported us back to the 80s, revamped through the prism of the London couturiers’ modern perspective.

Also on display were black sheer corseted gowns strewn with sequins. As these dresses came down the runway they seemed as if they were floating above the mirrored, neon-lit catwalk.

White and black, monochromatic looks were followed by dazzling colour; such as a gold and purple satin gown with Grecian drapery or a jewel-toned cerulean velvet show-stopper, with a gold embroidered serpent that circled the bodice.

The monochrome theme was also brightened up with neon chiffon gowns with spaghetti straps that supported cape-like train that flowed beautifully behind the models.

The silhouettes echoed an old world elegance, yet combined with structured bodices and bold colour, the collection had a thoroughly contemporary feel.

Image via Vogue.co.uk

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