by KEISHEL A. WILLIAMS
In three days the whole world will be watching as American actress Meghan Markle marries the love of her life Prince Harry, and in tandem, marry into the most illustrious family in the universe. The royal wedding is set to take place this Saturday and there is still heavy speculation that the Haute Couture dynamic duo Ralph & Russo will be creating the most anticipated part of this special occasion – Meghan’s dress!
Known for their breathtaking embellishments in intricate embroidery, beading, lace etc, Ralph & Russo always create works of art, making the brand the perfect fit for such a historical and monumental occasion. In 2014 the brand made history being the 1st British brand invited to Paris Couture Fashion Week in over 100 years, with Tamara Ralph being 1 of 3 women Creative Directors to show. If the British couturiers do take on the task of creating a couture piece for the future Duchess, it will be their most famous look in the history of the brand. But this brand is known for a few other history-making looks as well:
1. Angelina Jolie in Ralph & Russo Spring/Summer 2014 Skirt Suit
The actress was awarded the Honorary Dame Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George in the in recognition of her campaigning against sexual violence in war zones. She chose to wear one of the pieces from the brand’s Couture Fashion Week debut collection. Per Jolie’s request, the original red wool-crêpe suit was created in dove-grey for her on her big day.
2. Spring Couture Wedding Gown 2016
Always taking craftsmanship to new heights, Ralph & Russo debuted one of the largest wedding gowns in history during their spring couture show in 2016, which took a team of six women to help the model turn the dress on the runway. The design, which boasted a three-meter train, took 6,000 hours and over 50 embroiders to create. According to The Telegraph, the dress consisted of “736 meters of off-white tulle and each sleeve alone was made using 22 meters of tulle” and featured “thousands of delicately-shaped organza flowers made up of millions of micro-beads, crystals and pearls.”
3. Meghan Markle Engagement Dress 2018
In one of many meanders from royal tradition, Meghan Markle donned a red carpet couture evening gown from the Ralph & Russo Fall 2017 couture collection for her engagement portraits with Prince Harry. The images shot by notable photographer Alexi Lubomirski exuded an intimate and easy going visual of the couple who chose to make their official engagement portraits ‘relatable.’ The choice to wear the brand’s semi-nude sheer gown was the first hint that raised speculation of their involvement in creating Meghan’s wedding gown for the historical wedding.
Take a look at Ralph & Russo’s Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2016 collection with the biggest wedding gown. Perhaps hints of Ms. Markle’s dress are in there!
notesbykw.com 