How the image of Ralph & Russo was created for Maleficent

Maleficent performed by Angelina Jolie is not only an evil heroine, but also very stylish. Her images are thought out to the smallest detail. For example, one of the most spectacular dresses in the film was created for an actress in the British brand Ralph & Russo. About 700 hours of manual labor were spent on its creation. 

“This is a real dream for the designer - here you get the opportunity to become part of such a large-scale project and make an image for your beloved friend,” says Tamara Ralph, designer of Ralph & Russo. “Working on Maleficent's dress is our first movie experience. Not so often you get the chance to come up with an outfit that will later combine with wings and horns. This is a completely different kind of creative freedom. Angelina has kindly recommended us to costume designer Ellen Mirozhnik, who has already invited us to Maleficent. We are very pleased. "

Ralph emphasizes that the character and image of the heroine on the one hand sets a certain framework, and on the other - makes you start to think in a completely different way. Work began on the dress with the creation of a tulle base. After her landing became perfect, Ralph herself and a team of embroiderers set to work, collecting the outfit literally in parts. After several tests, they chose a brush stroke technique to decorate the dress. First of all, using a sketch-based rendering, a model was created and the main motive was developed. After everything was drawn, a stencil was cut out using a laser and the artist fixed it on the tulle using special silicone. Such manipulations helped create the effect of a second skin. 

The character of Maleficent decided to emphasize not only the use of black, but also acute forms. “Sure, it's a very dark thing, but it exudes the heroine’s strength,” adds Tamara Ralph. “Angelina is very involved in this process, and it was easy for me to work with her on this image.”