Rami Al Ali might not yet be a household name outside the UAE, but after his second showing at Paris Couture Week, he might be on his way. This Syrian-born designer has been working – with much success – as a couturier in Dubai since 2001, but his recent show in Paris presents a collection steeped in Western aristocratic influences. With tailoring and decorative details akin to scaled-back McQueen, Al Ali relies on a fantasy narrative to mold his models into ethereal creatures. The backdrop to this show was a Parisian salon that featured mirrored walls, low hanging chandeliers, and a reflective floor. Every surface returned an image, and echoed the gilded look of the gowns flawlessly. The models posed stiffly in crepe-de-chine, silk taffeta, and organza dresses – each one featuring a breathtaking detail that stood out from the garment with three-dimensional intensity. Slim silhouettes kept this tour-de-force from becoming too overwhelming. The aesthetic appeal of this collection is insanely high. This collection was presented without guile, without being derivative, and with a singular focus on the art of fashion. It’s a rare sight to see, and it’s one we welcome on the future couture landscape.

written by GRACE GORDON|photos: courtesy of GoRunway