Tamara Ralph, the creative director and co-founder of Ralph & Russo, the British couture and ready-to-wear brand that collapsed in 2021, has made a remarkable comeback with a new label under her own name. Her new couture brand, Tamara Ralph, is set to make its official debut on Monday, the opening day of Paris Couture Week.
Tamara Ralph, the creative director, and co-founder of Ralph & Russo, the British couture and ready-to-wear brand that collapsed in 2021, has made a remarkable comeback with a new label under her own name. Her new couture brand, Tamara Ralph, is set to make its official debut on Monday, the opening day of Paris Couture Week.
"I want to celebrate a bolder femininity. There are lots of typical feminine details that I've always used in my design career, but this time I've made them harder, and stronger. I've crafted a lot of elements in metal, and almost created an armor with cage-like structures and shields", she said.
The collection features materials such as black velvet and white double satin, and a color palette that takes in terracotta orange and shades she describes as "gelato pink and fresh mint". Ralph said each piece is like a work of art and a testament to the incredible talent and craftsmanship in her studio.
Ralph, who is Australian-born and Monte Carlo-based, said she is keen to build her new business very organically and avoid the pitfalls of rapid expansion that plagued her previous venture. Ralph & Russo, which launched in 2010, was a successful, high-profile couture house, but it expanded at breakneck speed, moving into ready-to-wear, accessories, lingerie, and eyewear and opening stores around the world.
"This time, I want to build strong foundations and move at a much slower pace. I want to focus on what I love most, which is couture", she said.
Ralph has also secured private banking for her new label and plans to open a physical Maison in Paris later this year. Her fall 2023 show will take place on July 3 in the Grand Salon at the Shangri La Hotel.
In addition to her couture comeback, Ralph has two big creative projects that are set to be unveiled next year. She did not reveal any details but hinted that they are related to her passion for art and culture.
"I'm very exited about the future. I feel like I have a new lease of life and a new chapter ahead of me", she said.
Tamara Ralph is one of the few female couturiers in the world and has been recognized for her exceptional skills and vision. She was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2017 for her contribution to fashion. She is also known for creating the dress worn by Meghan Markle for her official engagement portrait with Prince Harry in 2017.
Tamara Ralph's couture collection will be available to view on her website tamararalph.com after the show.
