Lavish masquerade balls of the 1960s and the geometric designs and decorations of Moorish architecture were the starting points for Rami Al Ali’s Spring Summer 2016 haute couture collection.

Presented in the grand Pompadour Salon of Hotel Meurice, Paris in January, the collection of elegant evening gowns was polished and understated, with the designer keeping the embellishment limited to put the focus on the sculptural construction and richness of the satin and brocade fabrics in a palate of gold, taupe, coral, and royal blue.

Embroidered details offered swirling arabesques, with the designer mixing materials to create 3D effects, while the silhouette of a tulip-shaped skirt recalls Balenciaga and Audrey Hepburn.

Noting “Young couture clients today are more confident about their body and silhouette,” the designer played on transparence with panels of organza though these gently hint at rather than reveal what lies beneath.

As first published on BlouinArtinfo.com