Ralph & Russo
 | |
| Company type | Privately held |
|---|---|
| Industry | Fashion |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Founder | Tamara Ralph & Michael Russo |
| Headquarters | |
| Products | Haute couture |
| Website | www.ralphandrusso.com |
Ralph & Russo is a haute couture fashion house. It became the first and only British house to be elected by the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture to show its collection on the official schedule at Paris Haute Couture Week, alongside brands such as Chanel, Dior and Valentino.[1] The Chambre Syndicale’s former president, Didier Grumbach was quoted as saying “We expect savoir faire, which is being lost, and they Ralph & Russo have it”.[2]
The house was founded in 2007 by Australian born duo Tamara Ralph (creative director) and Michael Russo (CEO) and within a very short time established itself as one of the world’s most respected and exclusive fashion houses.[3] The brand has become synonymous with dressing international royalty and A-list celebrities.
In 2013, Tamara Ralph and Michael Russo both joined Marissa Mayer and Mark Zuckerberg on Fortune magazine's prestigious 40 under 40. Jointly listed at #39 Tamara and Michael are two of the youngest stars recognised by Fortune and the only fashion company to be acknowledged, cementing their presence, influence and status in the fashion world.[4]
Tamara Ralph
Ralph was born to a mother who is an interior designer and former stylist, a grandfather who was a cordwainer and a great-grandmother and grandmother who were both couturiers. She grew up absorbing four generations of history and knowledge of design and became passionate about fashion after watching her grandmother and mother design and create dresses for clients in their home.[5]
At the age of 12, self-taught from her family, Ralph started creating garments for herself and friends who were eager to pay for her innovative designs. By the age of 15, Ralph was selling her own clothes to private clients and independent boutiques in Australia. Ralph went on to study at the Whitehouse Institute of Design in Sydney before moving to London and establishing the house of Ralph & Russo with Russo.[6]
In 2010, Ralph was asked by Beyoncé to design the gown for her infamous White House performance and later in 2013 to design the outfits for her The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour.[7] In 2012, the Victoria and Albert Museum showcased Ralph's designs in the Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950 exhibition in addition to other collaborations with the Walt Disney Company and Swarovski.[8] Throughout 2012 and 2013, Angelina Jolie commissioned Ralph & Russo to design pieces for numerous film premieres and humanitarian events around the world.[9]
The atelier
Ralph & Russo gowns are created within their London atelier by their highly skilled couturiers. Sourced from around the world and each having 15–25 years of experience gained at some of the most respected fashion houses and schools they are true specialists in their field. It is their exceptional expertise in traditional and innovative techniques, guided under the direction of Ralph, that bring each piece to life. The couturiers work on each gown often with hundreds of hours and up to twenty artisans required on each elaborate creation.[10]
Stores
In August 2013, Ralph & Russo opened its flagship showroom and atelier on London's prestigious Sloane Street.[11] The brand is famous for its exclusivity and works on a strict by-appointment only basis. A selection of Ralph & Russo gowns can also be found within Harrods in London and Bergdorf Goodman in New York.[12]
Notable clients
International royalty, celebrities and some of the world’s most influential people have become clients of Ralph & Russo, including HRH Sheikha Mozah of Qatar,[13] HH Princess Ameera al-Taweel of Saudi Arabia and celebrities such as Beyoncé [14] and Angelina Jolie.[15]
References
- ^ http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/uk_news/People/article1347068.ece
- ^ http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/uk_news/People/article1347068.ece
- ^ http://www.drapersonline.com/news/ralph-and-russo/1943339.article
- ^ http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/40-under-40/2013/full_list/index.html?iid=40Under13_sp_full
- ^ http://www.harrodsmagazine.com/section/fashion/aug-2013-ralph-russo/
- ^ http://www.coutts.com/news-and-insights/coutts-woman/2011/september/features/tamara-ralph/
- ^ http://www.graziadaily.co.uk/fashion/news/beyonce-knowles-opens-mrs-carter-world-tour-in-ralph---russo-couture
- ^ http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2011/11/17/v-and-a-famous-dress-exhibition---beyonce-mcqueen
- ^ http://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/red-carpet-dresses/best-dressed-list-060713
- ^ http://www.harrodsmagazine.com/section/fashion/aug-2013-ralph-russo/
- ^ http://diarydirectory.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/ralph-russo-to-open-sloane-street.html
- ^ http://www.harrods.com/HarrodsStore/GlobalPages/EventArticle.aspx?Id=ce72b568-e851-4d69-b77b-c3c70f204b26
- ^ http://www.vanityfair.com/style/2013/03/photos-best-dressed-first-ladies_slideshow_item3_4
- ^ http://www.graziadaily.co.uk/fashion/news/beyonce-knowles-opens-mrs-carter-world-tour-in-ralph---russo-couture
- ^ http://www.harpersbazaar.com/bazaar-blog/best-dressed-list-060713