Ralph & Russo

Ralph & Russo

Type	Privately held
Industry	Fashion
Founded	2007, London, United Kingdom
Founder	Tamara Ralph & Michael Russo
Headquarters	London
Key people	Tamara Ralph, Creative Director Michael Russo, CEO
Products	Haute couture Accessories
Number of employees	200
Website	www.ralphandrusso.com

Ralph & Russo is a British luxury goods company and haute couture fashion house. It became the first British brand to be elected in almost 100 years 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 duo Tamara Ralph (Creative Director) and Michael Russo (CEO) and within a very short time established itself as one of the world’s fashion houses.^[3]

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]

In 2014, the privately held company controlled and run by Tamara Ralph and Michael Russo was valued at an undisclosed nine-figure sum.^[5]

Creative Director, Tamara Ralph

Born to a creative family of craftsmen, stylists and designers in Sydney Australia on November 29, 1981, Ms Ralph found passion for creativity at a young age where she began designing and creating garments from home whist continually absorbing four generations of history and knowledge of fashion and design. Ms. Ralph later went on to study at the Whitehouse Institute of Design in Sydney.

Her love and passion for creating beautiful products saw her establish herself as one of the global fashion elite when she moved to London and her designs became recognised by a more international audience. Under the creative direction of Ms. Ralph, she has given Ralph & Russo a unique and strong voice in a crowded market. Her ability to create a modern and unified identity across each product category has propelled the Ralph & Russo brand into a global success.

Ms. Ralph became the first female Creative Director from the UK in nearly 100 years deemed eligible to show during Paris Haute Couture week. She is also one of only three female Creative Directors worldwide who together with Donatella Versace and Maria Grazia Chiuri of Dior are eligible to present their collections during this period. She continues to be recognised by fashion’s heavyweights including Vogue ^[6] and Harper’s Bazaar ^[7] for her achievements, together with her inclusion into the most elite business and fashion publications such as Fortunes 40 under 40 list ^[8] and the BOF 500. ^[9]

Under her direction, Ralph & Russo continues to be a powerhouse in the fashion and luxury world producing modern yet timeless products appealing to all generations.

CEO, Michael Russo

Born to an Italian family in Australia on February 24, 1980, Mr. Russo attended college and later Griffith University in Brisbane, Australia, specialising in business management and security.

He began his professional career in finance. Having been headhunted by Deutsche Bank in 2001, which saw his move to London, he rose through the ranks of companies including Barclays Wealth and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Having specialised his career in company turn arounds, Mr. Russo found passion in building businesses and took this forward to start-up and propel a number of companies into global successes. Under his leadership, Mr. Russo has grown Ralph & Russo to nearly 400 employees, successfully executed a role out of global boutiques, launched numerous product categories, ensured induction of the brand into fashion’s most coveted club, the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, and by 2014 had built the companies valuation to more than £200m.

Mr. Russo is continually recognised by both the business and fashion industry elite, which have included him on lists such as Fortunes 40 under 40 ^[10] and the BOF 500 ^[11] to name just a few. Driven by the vision of creating an unrivalled global super brand, there are no business or creative limitations at Ralph & Russo under his leadership.

Maisons and Retail Boutiques

Ralph & Russo Boutique in Harrods.

Ralph & Russo opened its flagship Maison in London's prestigious Mayfair shortly followed by another in Paris on Rue Francois 1er.^[12] In 2015, the brand opened its first "retail experience" in the Harrods "superbrands" area, alongside the stores other 11 biggest luxury brands including Valentino, Dior, Prada and Gucci.^[13][14]

Notable clients

International royalty, celebrities and some influential people have become clients of Ralph & Russo, including HRH Sheikha Mozah of Qatar,^[15] HH Princess Ameera al-Taweel of Saudi Arabia and celebrities such as Beyoncé,^[16] Aishwarya Rai Bachchan ^[17] & Angelina Jolie.^[18]

References