Dubai-based Syrian-born designer Rami Al Ali presented his Spring 2019 Couture collection at the Salon Pompadour of Hotel Le Meurice in Paris on Thursday. The new offering boasted all of the feminine and romantic elements synonymous with the young couturier that has established him as a firm red carpet favorite among the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, and Balqees Fathi, to name but a few. “The theme for this collection is Spanish culture, more specifically, flamenco dancers and matadors” the designer revealed to Vogue.me ahead of the presentation, citing Carmen, a 1983 Spanish drama as a direct influence.
The designer kept the references rather subtle, without too-literal interpretations. “We wanted to modernize it,” he explains, pointing to a red sculptural dress with tulle flamenco ruffles. “Hence the warm, sensual colors that are mixed and blended with subdued shades.” Structural creations appeared in various shades of red, orange, and beige. “Clients have a stronger character. They don’t mind the statement that overcomes the body shape,” explains the designer, who debuted his first couture collection in Paris in 2012. “For this season, we had the liberated woman in mind, a woman with a strong character, a woman who is not afraid to make big decisions,” stated Al Ali. All of this translated flawlessly in the selection of fabric, including luxurious mikado and satin de chaise, which were used to add a hint of romance through ruffles and other intricate details.
But it wasn’t all volume and ruffle. There were some sylph-like silhouettes present throughout the 17-piece collection too, including a series of beautifully hand-embroidered numbers and sequin-embellished frocks. A particular standout piece was a champagne-colored, floral-embroidered, tasseled evening gown that took about two months to create.
