Spring 2015 Haute Couture: Ralph & Russo Let a Thousand Flowers Bloom

Tamara Ralph had visions of Botticelli’s Primavera and Poussin’s Realm of Flora when she designed her Spring Summer 2015 Couture collection.

Titled The Awakening of Flora, the floral theme pervaded every design with stunning corolla-like floral petals around a shoulder, a giant organza rose on a shoulder, or blooming organza rose petals on a skirt as well as floral embroideries and the most tiny floral appliques that were dripping over some of her creations.

Like the representation of Spring by Botticelli,Ralph & Russo’s women looked pretty and fresh in a palette of light pink and cornflower blues, but instead of the loose Grecian outfits, her designs had a 1950s, old Hollywood glamour (now her signature style).

After a series of elegant white lace outfits, the collection moved into more forward-looking designs with dresses shaped like flower buds or wisteria. There were many asymmetrical hems (short at the front, long at the back), and elegant cocktail dresses covered with tiny bud details. Of note, several short and long capes (a trend seen amongst several other couturiers this year) and a stunning jacket with elaborately embroidered oversized puffed sleeves that would enliven any outfit.

The designer’s use of traditional thread embroidery intertwined with metallic resin print was particularly effective in this collection, as was her use of organza to create petal layers. These dresses were memorable and of course flawlessly executed.

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