There are different kinds of couture fans: those who want it to move with the times, embracing modernity à la Raf Simons at Dior; those who long for the theatrics and drama of Galliano's heyday; and then there are those of British-based couture house Ralph & Russo where old meets new seamlessly - with just a little couture fairy dust sprinkled on top.

 As far as it could be from the usual concept of the fashion-week spectacle, the Ralph & Russo show takes couture back to its inception - with the women who actually buy the dresses we were about to see waiting eagerly for their debut, some actually texting designer Tamara Ralph to ensure that the one per territory that the brand allows will not end up in the wardrobe of a rival princess or Russian heiress.

The Autumn/Winter 2015/16 Couture collection is called 'Enchanted Splendour'. Set against the backdrop of an enchanted forest, Tamara Ralph’s dreamy fairy tale like creations fit the princess theme from the neck down to the toes. Her work is a tour de force of elaborate design and labor-intensive artistry and the result is a sublime blend of tradition and modernity.

"We had a lot of vintage Sixties embroideries that we redeveloped, so that was the starting point in terms of fabric," Ralph says. "The Ralph & Russo girl this season is strong, she's beautiful; the shapes are more sensual, but within that we still have a range of styles for all our clients."

'Eden' Pumps in Midnight Blue AW15/16 pre-order at Harrod's Bourique

Ralph & Russo 'Baroque' Heel Pumps AW15/16 pre-order at Harrod's Boutique

'Eden' Pumps AW15/16 available to pre-order at Harrod's Boutique & by private order

Ralph's discerning eye goes a long way to creating an opulence that somehow still remains understated, a concept nowhere more evident than in this autumn's bridal finale.

Worn by Ana Beatriz Barros, the Victorian neckline and intricate gold embroidery of the dress was given a sexy hip-hugging shape.  How can something that is comprised of 700 metres of embroidered Chantilly lace be called "simple"? That's the Ralph & Russo je ne sais quoi.

Images Sources: Ralph & Russo    flip-zone.com    facebook/Ralph&Russo

Text Sources: Ralph & Russo     vogue/uk    wwd.com

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Marchesa Resort 2016

“Everything with Marchesa is a soft, romantic take on a theme; you won’t see it too heavily translated,” said Keren Craig about her and Georgina Chapman’s resort collection. Pink, gold, cream and navy tones dominated the feminine lineup.

For their sister Marchesa Notte line, Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig took the same inspiration cues from their Marchesa resort collection — Islamic flowers and tiles — and translated the theme for the brand’s slightly younger customer.

Image Source:  style.com          Text Sources: wwd.com

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Cannes closed out the festival on Sunday with a long list of winners and a few surprises. For 12 days, major Hollywood actresses and supermodels graced the film festival’s red carpet in clothes designed by the world’s greatest. Just as dramatic was the red carpet finale.

Swedish actress Alicia Vikander in Valentino Couture                                vogue.co.uk/ Getty

Alicia Vikander in Valentino Couture                                              vogue.com/ Getty

Marion Cotillard in Dior Couture with Chopard jewels                            vogue.co.uk/ Getty

Adriana Lima  in Ulyana Sergeenko                            Venturelli/ Wireimage/ vogue.co.uk

Jourdan Dunn in Ralph & Russo Couture                             Ralph & Russo/ facebook.com

Aishwarya Rai in Ralph & Russo Couture with Chopard jewels            Ralph & Russo/ facebook.com

Taiwanese actress Shu Qi  in Ellie Saab Couture                          eliesaabworld/ facebook.com

Shu Qi in Alexander McQueen                                     gotceleb.com

Marion Cotillard in Dior Couture with Chopard jewels                                         dailymail.co.uk

Paris Hilton in Yulia Yanina                               dailymail.co.uk /Wireimage
 

Daria Strokous in Luisa Beccaria with Atelier Swarovski jewels & Paula Cademartori clutch       vogue.co.uk/ Getty

Aishwarya Rai in Ralph & Russo Couture Autumn/Winter 2014 Collection with Chopard jewels      vogue.co.uk/ Getty

Chanel Iman in Donna Karan Atelier         vogue.co.uk/  Getty

Diane Kruger in Prada with Harry Winston jewellery        vogue.co.uk/ Getty

Araya A. Hargate in a gown by Ashi Studio                vogue.co.uk/ Getty

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