Rami Al Ali

This picture says it all!!  The detail and craftsmanship of this man's work is incredible!

Recently I was asked by CakeCentral to create a cake for their fashion issue (volume 4, issue9) inspired by the work of Rami Al Ali.  Now I have to admit, I didn't know much about this designer, but I did my homework!  This Syrian born artist didn't get his start in fashion....that's the most intriguing part.  Let's see what Wiki says....

Due to the lack of opportunities in his small town for career growth and industry exposure, Al Ali moved to Damascus and joined the College of Fine Arts in 1991 to study Visual Communications. This led to his experimentation with creative pursuits, excelling in subjects such as interior and graphic design. In 1995 Al Ali’s decision to design and produce a fashion show for his final graduation presentation astounded his professors who were impressed at his portrayal of fine arts through fashion despite his deviation from the assignment.


Here are some of my favorites...

This is everything!!

 Everything!!!

 And everything....

Okay so I love his work!

This is a short from his Autumn/Winter collection for 2012/13....

Here is the dress I was assigned....

What's the plan?  Well I love the dress and the possibilities are endless....ombre, structure, draping, beading, geometric patterns!!!  There is so much.  I don't want to go to literal with my interpretation though.  I need to pull one dramatic concept from the piece and then try to tie in elements of my work and other works in the collection.  This is cake after all....and I want it to look like a cake...not a garment.

I didn't start with a sketch.  I just let my hands and brain figure it out.

I began by adding some texture to my fondant with a gumpaste tool...

 

 

 

I just run my tool back and forth over the surface of the fondant....careful not to push too hard!  You don't what to cut through....just leave the pattern.

I decided to create the ombre pattern on the skirt of the dress....but in a different way.  I will invert the pattern and use some piping to enhance the look.

 

 

Starting with the darkest color at the bottom, I cut some black ovals.

I used the reverse side of the cutter to add an imprint and then cut them in half.

It's important when you are doing this sort of hand work to use a straight edge to line everything up and make sure it is even.

I placed them one by one with piping gel.

 

 

Now I did the same thing with a lighter color.  Instead of cutting them in half, I cut them on a curve using the same cutter so they will match up evenly.....

 

 

 

Here's the idea...

 

Looking cool:)))

 

 

Now I add some graduated pearls over the pattern for drama....

 

 

 

then a black band and some bling...

 

 

...and this little flower:)





Now the inside of the flower was made with gumpaste balls rolled in sanding sugar mixed with sparkle....

 

 

I also created with base tier with oval cut outs to resemble a bracelet.

 

 

 

Okay here she is.....

 

The cake is fine....but not for me.  I need a wow factor!!  It need color!!

I looked through his collections and found my inspiration in these two looks....

I love that color.  So with a little food coloring and experimenting, I had the look I wanted...

Here she is again;)....

 

Ta da!!  NOW I love her!  Here are some other shots....

Sweet!  Don't forget guys, I am coming to Dallas in October, Canada in November, and Philly in December!!  Click the links below for more information!



 

 

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Bye!!