Before we immerse ourselves in the world of couture, let’s take a look at the history of Ralph & Russo. This is a brand the majority of people may not know, but it most definitely is a brand that fashion lovers should know. Ralph & Russo was the first and only British fashion house to be elected by the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture to show at Haute Couture Week in Paris. The designers are Tamara Ralph and Michael Russo, a woman and a man. I love the idea of a woman and a man collaborating on fashion. You have the vision of a woman, who represents the body and frame that these gowns will fit and you have the point of view of a man, who wants to make the woman look as beautiful as she can in these designs. The combination of everything women and men both bring to fashion is exactly what Ralph & Russo embodies – whimsical, eye-catching fashion with expert details and tailoring. It’s for these spectacular reasons that this small, privately owned business is so successful.
The theme of the Ralph & Russo Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2016 collection was regeneration and rebirth. This show featured gowns in refreshing colors such as pearl, gold, rosé and violet complete with flowery elements and delicate appliqué details. Hand-painted peonies and tulips complimented the organza and chiffon gowns that look like they sprung right from the ground themselves. I like to think of the Ralph & Russo aesthetic as a modern Charles James. It is a brand for the classic woman who strives for elegance, but wants that show-stopping dress with unique angles. Every look in this collection is worthy of a Cannes Film Festival appearance, and the wide variety of silhouettes can flatter a woman of any shape or size.
The collection focuses on the empire waistline and even featured looks such as a modern peplum, along with 1950’s bell-shaped dresses. Sheer kimonos, white lace and sweeping gowns were both structured and elegant in nature. Every individual piece looked like something fit for a princess. How fun would it be to play dress up in this couture? It would surely transcend you into another world of fairy tales and magic!
Yulia
April 29, 2016I’ve never heard of this brand until this moment, but I am already obsessed, lol. Those flowery details on heels are just so beautiful; I am sure these shoes will be as popular as Christian Louboutin one day:) Thank you so much for sharing and have a great weekend!
http://www.yuliannova.com/
tayloraube
April 29, 2016Isn’t it amazing!? They are definitely not the biggest name in fashion but their couture is very beautiful. I always find it interesting when a brand only make couture.
Liz
April 29, 2016I’ll be honest- I hadn’t heard of Ralph & Russo but I’m now completely in love!
Kristin
April 29, 2016The feminine details are INSANE!!! I seriously want to put on every. single. dress. that went down that runway! Such gorgeous photos and literally a perfect collection!!!
xox,
Kristin
tayloraube
April 29, 2016Wouldn’t that be so darling to have one fabulous day shopping in Paris while wearing Couture… A girl can dream, right?
Lindsay
April 29, 2016These garments are truly pieces of art – can you imagine getting to wear something like that?!
tayloraube
April 29, 2016In my dreams… LOL! And I agree, each dress has hundreds of hours put into them. They are all created by hand. The process is beautiful!
Stacy
April 29, 2016Wow! I have never heard of them before. Those dresses are chic and beautiful!
tayloraube
April 29, 2016Not many people know them, but they are definitely a force to be reckoned with!
Anna
April 29, 2016Absolutely stunning! The details are truly incredible. Thank you for sharing this amazing brand!
XO,
Anna
http://www.blushingrosestyle.com
tayloraube
April 29, 2016Haute Couture is all about the details so I’m glad you pointed that out! I love all the little sequin and bead details, it’s so pretty up close!
Mindy
April 29, 2016Wow!!!! All those dresses are amazing!!!! I’m in love!
<3, Mindy
http://www.threadsnbreads.com
tayloraube
April 29, 2016Thanks for your sweet comment Mindy!
Ilissa
April 29, 2016Whoa. These dresses are beautiful. Thanks for posting. I now have a new favorite!
xoxo,
Ilissa
http://southernsassyandsocial.blogspot.com/
tayloraube
April 29, 2016I wish I could have a photo shoot in these gowns… Maybe one day
Jess Delmos
April 29, 2016This line is seriously perfection! I am absolutely obsessed!
xoxo
Jess
http://www.mustheartstyle. com
tayloraube
April 29, 2016Same here! Aren’t these dresses gorgeous? <3
Laura
April 29, 2016Those are such gorgeous dresses! I want one haha!
Xx
Laura | http://www.twentyteenz.com
tayloraube
April 29, 2016Me too, Laura
Roselyn
April 29, 2016Great post Taylor! Loving all of the photos!! I love coming to your blog and seeing your latest posts and photography!! Xo, Roselyn
tayloraube
April 29, 2016Thank you love!
Kait Elizabeth
April 29, 2016I’m ready to empty my closet and fill it with this collection! I would so wear on of those dresses grocery shopping….. Hugs, Kait
http://www.makeminemaroon.com
tayloraube
April 29, 2016Oh trust me, if I had the money I would too!! Hahahah! *Cleans the house in Haute Couture”
Gunjan
April 29, 2016These stunning dresses ABSOLUTELY show the collaboration of a man and a woman coming together to design them. Wow. I am so glad you wrote about this – learned something new. Love the photography as always <3
Gunjan | http://www.songbirdechoes.com
tayloraube
April 29, 2016Thank you Gunjan I’m so glad you learned something because I try and share my knowledge of the fashion world with all of my followers. There is so much beauty in the fashion world and I really enjoy sharing my passion with everyone!
barbara.aube@gmail.com
April 30, 2016absolutely stunning <3
tayloraube
May 2, 2016Aren’t they?! I hope one day I can photograph an Haute Couture show <3
Mariam
April 30, 2016YES!! SO GLAD YOU MENTIONED THEM! Those two bring a lovely combination of modern and classic trends together – especially in these photos. The empire waist on some of these dresses is amazing! I seriously believe that if we ever meet we’ll just be talking runway fashion for hours and history of fashion too!
xo Mariam
http://www.thepetitebijou.com
tayloraube
May 2, 2016I love having what I like to call, “fashion friends” who chat about recent collections and talk drama + models. Fashion is so fun and dynamic to discuss!
Angelle Marix
April 30, 2016Those feminine details are BREATHTAKING!!!! I can’t decide which one is my favorite!!
Xo,
Angelle
http://www.dashingdarlin.com
tayloraube
May 2, 2016My favorite shot is the shoe stepping down. How darling is that print and they are hand painted!
Ciera
May 1, 2016I’ve never heard of this brand before, but I’m so glad now I have! Their couture gowns are absolutely stunning. Thanks for sharing
xoxo, CiCi
http://www.worldwidestylista.com
tayloraube
May 2, 2016Keep and eye out for them. I’m sure some starlet will be wearing them on the red carpet soon
Morgan
May 2, 2016Lovely post Taylor! So inspiring as always!
XOXO Morgan
http://www.styleonedge.net
tayloraube
May 2, 2016Thank you Morgan!
Ariel
May 2, 2016These were the prettiest dresses!! I don’t want to know the cost, I just want to imagine the possibility of wearing one some day!! Those scream wedding dresses to me. (I think I am just in wedding mode though) They’re just gorgeous!!
Thanks so much for fueling my day dreams!
-Ariel
http://www.quintessentialmiss.com
tayloraube
May 2, 2016I would LOVE to get married in one of these dresses. And have my bridesmaids in all of the others gowns!
Yuliya
May 6, 2016Oh it’s just such a beautiful collection. I can’t beleive how gorgeous the dresses and feathered accessories are x I really love the very natural make-up too, have to work on this trend as I tend to apply lots of makeup normally.
London personal style blogger Yukova