Here at Fashion Capita we aim to bring you coverage of the hottest up-coming names around. We’ve selected Australian-based Ralph & Russo as one to watch and chat to co-founder and designer Tamara Ralph…
FC: How did Ralph & Russo come about?
TR:
I was brought up in a family with a long history in fashion and design. Both my mother and my grandmother worked in the Fashion Industry for some large Australian Designers and taught me their skills at an early age. Growing up I would constantly be sketching, sewing and draping silks on my mannequin. I subsequently went on to study Fashion at the prestigious Whitehouse Institute of Design in Sydney.
In 2005 I travelled to Europe with several one-off dresses in my suitcase and went on to dress several high profile celebrities. During my travels and a chance meeting, I met Michael Russo an entrepreneur with a strong business background and director of a large UK Media Company. We decided to combine our talents to form Ralph & Russo, which officially launched in October 2006. Our first collection was completed in February 2007 with an Autumn capsule collection in which was received extremely well.
Our clients include high-profiles such as Dannii and Kylie Minogue as well as a handful of Australian and British socialites.
FC: In a nutshell, what does the brand stand for?
TR: Ralph & Russo is a luxury label aimed at well travelled cosmopolitan women who are style orientated and fashion forward. Every woman wants to feel sexy and glamorous and I think our beautifully crafted garments empower women and bring a bit of sophisticated sexiness and fantasy into their lives.
FC: Describe the Ralph & Russo woman in five words...
TR:
Glamorous, Sexy, Sophisticated, Well Travelled, Exotic.
FC: Why is Ralph & Russo different to other brands, what makes it special?
TR:
I think we make up a new wave of talented designers with the skills and ability to turn our labels into Brands. To start a brand with the potential to sit along side the large international fashion houses is extremely hard these days but I think there are a lot of up and coming designers who have the skills to do so.
FC: Which other labels/ brands are you similar to?
TR:
Our garments would look best sitting next to the likes of Roberto Cavalli, Versace and Matthew Williamson. I love sexy colour, animal prints and amazing embellishments.
FC: What challenges have you had to face being a new brand starting out?
TR:
I think starting a new company in any industry is a challenge in itself. Our biggest challenge would have to be coming from another country and developing from scratch all the contacts required in order to start a successful company. I didn’t know anyone when I stepped off the plane.
FC: What inspires you and your collections?
TR:My mother’s style has always been a big inspiration to me; she was constantly decorating our house in Sydney with animal skins and prints, Asian chests and large gold carved mirrors. Our first collection has been a mixture of this style I grew up with and also the grand history of the European cities I visited during my travels.
The design of my garments are drawn from the fabrics and prints which make up the base of design - when I see an amazing print I instantly get inspired.
FC: What have you got in store for Ralph & Russo over the next couple of months?
TR:We are looking at officially launching the label through a show in February, working on our new collection of course, expanding our work with our celebrity clients, expanding our PR, expanding our customer reach through stockists and we hope to hold an official launch party early next year.
FC: What advice would you give to other designers starting out?
TR:
I would have to say that networking is of the utmost importance. You have to have a strong work ethic and passion for fashion and design as it takes a lot of work. Have a plan and know your customer.
FC: Where would you like to see the brand in five years time?
TR:
Where do I start? I have a huge interest in accessories such as bags and shoes and also menswear. To bring the label to a level in which we can expand into a European recognised brand would be my ultimate goal. To gain international recognition is also very important.
FC: And finally...where is Ralph & Russo stocked?
TR:
The first collection was sold to mainly celebrity and private clients. The company is in discussions with several Knightsbridge high-end designer boutiques. The immense response we've had from stockists thus far has been very promising and exciting.We hope that the collection will soon be available at some of London's top Department stores.
Many thanks to Tamara for offering an exciting look at the life of a brand visit www.ralphandrusso.com for further information. Stay tuned for further Fashion Capital brands coverage.
FC: How did Ralph & Russo come about?
Our clients include high-profiles such as Dannii and Kylie Minogue as well as a handful of Australian and British socialites. 
FC: Describe the Ralph & Russo woman in five words...
FC: Which other labels/ brands are you similar to?
FC: What inspires you and your collections?
FC: What advice would you give to other designers starting out?
