Spring 2018 Haute Couture: Ralph & Russo’s Oriental Homage

The opening look of Ralph & Russo’s Spring 2018 Haute Couture collection — an ivory sequin-encrusted silk crêpe cady kimono, hand painted with peonies and embellished with opals, 3D organza petals and peach ombré fringed sleeves — set the tone for a collection imbued with orientalism.

Draped kimono-style silhouettes edged in layers of decorative tassels, and with hand painted flowers and songbirds, moulded white crepe jasmine petals, 3D orchid petals appliqués and powder blue organza chrysanthemums gave a touch of exoticism to a sumptuous collection rich in lurex jacquard, mink trim, devoré ostrich feathers  and Swarovski crystals.

Particularly successful was a mint and pink lurex floral silk jacquard mini dress, featuring draped skirt and pale pink mink cuffs, enhanced with 3D petal embroidery, as well as a metallic black ombré cocktail dress and cropped cape, featuring hand woven silk tulle tweed enhanced by crystal, glass bugles and devoré ostrich feather edging.

Metallic crystal chainmail and silk lamé return in this collection as part of an underlying theme of reflection.