Couture Watch: Rami Al Ali

4 min read
Rami Al Ali at the presentation of his spring/summer couture 2015 collection in Paris. Image courtesy of Rami Al Ali.

Rami Al Ali at the presentation of his spring/summer couture 2015 collection in Paris. Image courtesy of Rami Al Ali.

UAE-based Rami Al Ali presented his take on Japanese-inspired couture elegance at Paris Haute Couture week.

Feminine, ethereal and immensely covetable, there’s something about Rami Al Ali’s dresses that makes us want to eschew every fashion trend we’ve ever known and spend the rest of our lives wafting around Paris in his wistful creations. While that may be a fanciful dream (because: reality) there is no mistaking the refinement and skill on offer in Rami’s fifteen-piece SS15 couture collection. 

Beading, lace and a kimono-sleeve give a Japanese-inspired feel to this ethereal gown. Image courtesy of Rami Al Ali.

Beading, lace and a kimono-sleeve give a Japanese-inspired feel to this ethereal gown. Image courtesy of Rami Al Ali.

Italian lace, laser cut organza and light-as-air tulle combine to create gowns that explore structure in architectural bustiers and at the same time minimalism, with dresses constructed without darts or cuts. Inspired by Japanese culture and art (the gowns sculpted in a way that reflects origami techniques), the genesis of the collection is interpreted subtly: a single kimono sleeve or marginally raised collar, hinting at Orientalism rather than directing. The palette of gold, cream and champagne is typically gentle on the eye – just romantic enough without becoming saccharine. Rami Al Ali, as he always does, has given us a collection to dream in.

This champagne column gown is demure and revealing all at the same time. Image courtesy of Rami Al Ali.

This champagne column gown is demure and revealing all at the same time. Image courtesy of Rami Al Ali.