Ralph & Russo Couture Spring Collection 2018

Having its dresses worn by Beyoncé, Angelina Jolie, Sonam Kapoor and a bevy of private clients, London based couture house Ralph & Russo has certainly been in the spotlight. When soon to be royal Meghan Markle donned the label for her engagement photos, it turned into a burning glare.

Looking to the East for inspiration, Tamara Ralph showed a collection hinged on ornamentation. Cue tiers of shivering ostrich feathers plus chain mail, jet embroidery and silk floss thread-work. Clusters of pearls and crystals caught the light from every surface and fold at times to overwhelming effect.

Ralph’s knack for flattering the feminine form shone out most vividly on a chartreuse number with fringe that looked like a rich shawl draped over the body; a supremely elegant sun ray pleated chiffon gown, and a nude off the shoulder cocktail dress with plumes swinging with every step. It looked quite classic, but in the game Ralph & Russo is in, change can only ever be subtly incremental, when there at all.