Rami Al Ali makes an impact with his 2012 collection

One of Rami's new designs

Once again on my way heading home from work last week I stopped for coffee at Rami Al Ali’s Atelier to see his new outfits as well as the Bridal Collection 2012. No…I’m not getting married but this hot mama likes to look at clothes and Rami’s designs are so timeless that one gets inspired by his unique touches to every dress he makes even if it happens to be the bridal collection. I reckon there were numerous elements in every bridal piece that would look awesome in an evening dress while totally rocking the fashion scene as a wedding ensemble that is so very Ramilicious.

Of course apart from the clothes, it is a delight to chat with Rami who I find is one of the most insightful designers of all times – no matter what topic you come up with, Rami contributes the most profound thoughts on each of them. I guess it’s also his worldly insights or sixth sense that makes him create the best dresses for his clients – its as if he can sense their character, ethos and what they are all about and what would go with their body, personality and what have you that makes each woman a uniquely beautiful individual.

Elegance is the key to this year’s line by Rami, with each and every dress created as a portrait of modern beauty – sophisticated and breathtaking. Flowing lengths of A-line cuts give a romantic appeal to the collection, whilst voluminous puffed skirts create a whimsical allure, for the bride who wants to make an impact. Architectural structure is ever-present throughout the line, giving each piece a strong character, whilst a daring array of exposed necklines and bare shoulders are contrasted against more modest designs of full-length lace sleeves.

Full attention is granted to the bride with a refreshing palette of off-white, and light and pearly variations of beige, to ensure all skin tones are complimented and flattered. The line is kept rich and luxurious with a strong presence of satin and tafta fabrics, with embellishments tactically placed to create new shapes and forms within each style. Every dress within the collection is uniquely crafted using innovative methods of fabric manipulation, creating new and inspiring textures and depths.

If I didn’t have to dash to Valleydez that evening to hang out with fashion experts Dipesh & Ayman, I reckon I would have just sat and taken in Rami’s creations all evening….they were pure eye candy and once again I left his Atelier half heartedly. If you ever are on Al Wasl Road and have some fashion sense, Rami Al Ali’s designs are worth stopping for to get a dose of some creative style injection.

Up, close and personal with Rami Al Ali

Before I ventured out for my great American adventure, I was invited to have suhoor with the charismatic Rami Al Ali one evening at the Madinat Jumeirah Ramadan tent. Having met Rami socially a number of times and exchanging pleasantries, I never got to know him well except that he was warm, friendly and a delight to be around at VIP events around town.

However, because of the intimate set up of Ramadan tents and being a gracious host that Rami is, we got to know more about each other and what we do a lot better and I am left in awe of this multi talented down to earth designer – hence, I have decided to dedicate an entire blog to him. Partly because he is one of the few local celebrities who likes to know the person in front of him as much as he wants you to know about his work. (I have never told so much about my life to anyone as I have told Rami – partly because he is a good listener who is so comfortable to talk to and partly because he genuinely is interested to know and understand the audience around him)

Rami’s interest in fine fabrics and design led him to the College of Fine Arts in Damascus, Syria, where he studied visual arts, giving him the opportunity to work with some of the region’s leading fashion houses. With his talent, it was not long after when Rami Al Ali Couture entered the fashion arena with a bold collection and uncompromising couture designs.

After a number of inspiring fashion shows around the Gulf, Rami has become a celebrated artist coveted by those who know something about fashion. With royal, celebrity and social muses like Youssra, Ivana Trump, Natasha Bedingfield and Lateefa Nawal, among others, Rami’s designs have stood out from the red carpet of the Adonia Awards to the international stage of Najem Al Khaleej.

As the popularity of Rami Al Ali Couture spread through the region, the need for a ready-to-wear collection was clear. The Rami Al Ali woman needed dresses suitable for dinners and intimate gatherings, and the designer was happy to oblige. The excitement continued and garnered attention from global brands such at Swarovski.  Rami was chosen to be a part of ‘Unbridaled’, a book published by the global Austrian crystal brand, with revered couture veterans Giorgio Armani, Vivian Westwood and John Galliano, among others. The collaboration demonstrated his ability to participate in an international market.

Having recently completed his sixth season at Rome Fashion Week, Rami is sure to continue dazzling us all with his unique style of women’s evening and bridal wear. In Rome, he has built a reputation as a fashion ambassador for the Middle East as his collections are always demure with an Arabic sense of glamour and modesty.

With Rami’s personality and his creative genius, I can’t wait to check out his new collection and would encourage fashionistas of the region to get to know him and his fabulous team….I will warn you though that you will be charmed to the core once you get talking to Rami.