London-based couture house Ralph and Russo presented a unique digital
experience for its first virtual couture collection presentation during
Paris Haute Couture Week, highlighting craftsmanship through a number of
digitised looks on its custom brand avatar as well as real-life designs.
What was incredible about Ralph and Russo’s digital presentation was how
difficult it was to tell the difference between the real-life couture
designs and the digital couture brought to life by avatar, and “muse,”
Hauli, a Swahili word meaning strength and power, who looked striking in
couture gowns adorned with pixelated flowers and masses of tulle.
The showcase was much more than just a new collection reveal, the film
illustrated the journey behind the season through lockdown, the experience
of how to bring to life the collection, from sketching to patterning
cutting and embroidery in the atelier, as well as the inspiration behind
the autumn/winter 2020-21 haute couture collection from creative director
Tamara Ralph.
The couture house describes the collection as a reflection on the
“far-reaching beauty of our natural world and the digitally charged
future,” with a collection inspired by the Seven Wonders of the World.
In the film, Tamara Ralph, explained: “I feel with the lockdown period
we had to readjust our inspiration this season. We wanted to look at the
environment, as well as travel in itself and some of the most special
places in the world. So we looked to the Seven Wonders of the World to
delve into the cultures of some of these different countries, and look at
the colour and the vibrancy that celebrates them as a culture.”
This formed a collection inspired by florals and nature, filled with
vibrant tones of yellow-gold and sky blue, hues of lavender and fuchsia
pink, to evoke the “natural palette of our planet”. This was achieved by
enhancing silhouettes with intricate floral details, from three-dimensional
organza blooms to swathes of floral taffeta and tweed, which were each
distorted, blurred like watercolours, and digitally printed.
So, as well as the digital model, with the brands very own avatar, the
collection itself also bridges the gap between technology and fashion.
“Digital has always been something that I’ve found fascinating and
something as a brand we’ve really seen as an interesting angle to infuse
the tradition of couture with modern aspects,” added Ralph. “With the
current situation this season it really forced us to look at new ways of
showcasing our work.”
Ralph and Russo inspired by the Seven Wonders of the World for
autumn/winter 2020-21 couture
Highlights included billowing pastel tulle gowns, a white silk crepe
column gown featuring an oversized bow hip bustle and exposed
bow-embellished back, a pale sapphire blue illusion tulle mini dress with
voluminous sleeves and embellishments, multi-coloured floral silk chiffon
gowns, a bubblegum pink silk tailored suit featuring an off-the-shoulder
neckline, jewelled buttons and statement pockets embellished with crystal,
and a dramatic chrome yellow silk taffeta ballgown with deconstructed bow
detailing.
The presentation also showcased some interesting context on the current
pandemic climate, from footage of masked make-up artists working with the
models, to how Ralph and Russo have adapted to working during lockdown,
while all the creatives have been working remotely, as well as the
importance of staying connected as a team to “keep them inspired,”
explained Ralph.
Images: courtesy of Ralph and Russo