Designer of the Year & Couturier of the Year – Ralph & Russo Couture
You may remember that Elie Saab has been the longstanding king of the Designer of the Year crown, but 2017 ended his five-year reign.
It was none other than Ralph & Russo Couture who captured the crown, ushering in a new form of red-carpet allure for 2017. And, they’ve even entered the royal ranks, with Meghan Markle recently opting for the brand in her engagement photos.
Even though eveningwear may be the London-based labelâs sweet spot, the two Aussie designers behind the dazzling designs ultimately prove that variety is the spice of life.
And, that was even more true, as they debuted their ready-to-wear collection for Spring 2018 that brought their distinct breed of luxury to more diverse yet still-dazzling territory.
Luxury took on new meaningâsometimes with girlish whimsy, as in Kaia Gerberâs youthful ruffles. Other times, feathered fun and metallic moxie took front-and-centre stage.
Of course, thereâs no forgetting the sweeping ethereality of pure delicacy that defined Lily Collinsâ Cannes Film Festival shimmering, pale pastel gown.
When you conjure up what âcoutureâ should be, perhaps there is little better label to capture its essence than Ralph & Russo Couture.
The designers captivate with their masterpieces that donât simply rely on look-at-me embellishment to entice (although they add sparkle with the best of them), but rather an even more lavish celebration of the feminine silhouette through artful precision of form.
One would be hard-pressed to choose a standout favourite. After all, how do you pick between Brie Larson and Hailee Steinfeld’s glittering confections, or Blake Lively’s elegantly pristine suiting, or Alessandra Ambrosio’s red-haute, glossy glamour.
In a word (well, words): sculptural, striking, sensual, sophisticated.
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