Tamara Ralph, creative director and co-founder of Ralph & Russo. Courtesy of Tamara Ralph
Romantic, feminine and intricately crafted, fashion house Ralph & Russo has remained steadfastly true to its signature aesthetic since the label’s inception in London, in 2006. Australian-born Tamara Ralph, alongside co-founder Michael Russo, has worked hard to preserve the label’s exclusivity, only selling limited versions of each garment in each market and establishing a loyal following of royalty and celebrity clientele. In 2014, they became the first British brand to join the prestigious Chambre Syndicale and show their collections during Paris Couture week, further cementing their ethos that craftsmanship is fundamental to the label’s house codes.
Describing her Middle Eastern clientele as having “a big appreciation for detail, beauty, and design,” Ralph is the fourth generation in her family to work in fashion and it’s clear to see how her heritage has influenced both her taste and focus on handmade artistry – traits she tapped into when designing the label’s first standalone store in The Dubai Mall, a serene space, sheer elegance in tones of grey and copper. Here, the designer explains how she finds peace and positivity at home…
Home comforts: “Being at home during this quarantine period has made me think more about interior design, which I have always loved. I really enjoy creating and designing furnishings just as much as fashion; to me it’s all about enhancing a lifestyle, celebrating beauty and evoking emotions.”
Courtesy of Tamara Ralph
Artwork: “I love the vibrancy and energy of this piece by Damien Hirst, it brings so much life to the house; the colors and level of detail is just amazing – it reminds me of a summer’s day.”
Courtesy of Tamara Ralph
Cartier bracelet: “This Cartier bracelet was given to me as a gift by someone I love; I wear it every day. It’s so sentimental to me and engraved with a personal message, so I like to keep it close to me.”
Prayer beads: “My prayer beads were blessed by the Dalai Lama and are very special to me. I use them during my daily meditation and just love the energy and positivity they give me. I take them everywhere I go and also like to wear them when I’m being creative.”
Courtesy of Tamara Ralph
My favorite scent: “The fragrance I wear every day is Alexandria II by Xerjoff. I was given this as a gift from a dear client of mine (one of the royal families), years ago and I’ve been wearing it ever since. It reminds me of how lucky I am to have such wonderful clients and friends. I love the oud in it as I love heavy perfumes and a little bit lasts such a long time – it has become my signature scent.”
Trinket box: “I adore this love heart keepsake box by Linley. It was given to me as a gift from someone very dear to me and I keep it on my bedside table to house all of my special trinkets.”
Courtesy of Tamara Ralph
Mindfulness book: “My reading at the moment is focused on the teaching of Buddha and mindfulness, which has helped me to feel centered during this difficult period. The book has also reminded me to put as much time and energy into my spiritual side as taking care of my physical health – and everything else.”
