Ralph & Russo
Retail Ecommerce Ventures · United Kingdom
Ralph & Russo is a London couture house founded in 2006 by Tamara Ralph and Michael Russo. It went into administration in March 2021 and was bought by Retail Ecommerce Ventures in July 2021; its current trading status has not been verified for 2026.
| Founded | 2006 |
|---|---|
| Founders | Tamara Ralph and Michael Russo |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom |
| Segment | Luxury and designer houses |
| Administration | March 2021; bought by Retail Ecommerce Ventures, July 2021 |
| Harrods boutique | Opened 2015 |
| Website | ralphandrusso.com |
What is Ralph & Russo?
Ralph & Russo is a British fashion house producing haute couture, ready to wear, luxury goods and accessories. It was founded in Mayfair, London, in 2006 by the Australian born designer Tamara Ralph and her partner Michael Russo.
History
The house gained attention for its couture work and for opening boutiques in London, including at Harrods in 2015, as well as in Paris, Doha, Dubai and Monaco. In 2017 it had about 450 employees and said it intended to expand its store network to America, Europe and Asia.
The company went into administration in March 2021, with debts of nearly 28 million pounds, according to FashionUnited. In July 2021 the US investment firm Retail Ecommerce Ventures, which also owns Dressbarn, Stein Mart and Pier 1, was reported to be buying the brand, and Wikipedia says it took a controlling position. The same report said the co founders were not expected to have an active ongoing role under the new ownership. In March 2023 the parent company was reported to be considering a possible bankruptcy filing. The sources reviewed do not describe the brand's status in 2025 or 2026, so current activity should be checked with the company.
Products and positioning
- Haute couture: made to order gowns, the house's core business.
- Ready to wear: seasonal collections.
- Luxury goods and accessories: sold through its own channels.
Business model and distribution
The house historically relied on its own boutiques and private clients rather than a wide wholesale network. The brand's website remains the official point of sale for ready to wear and accessories.
Why it matters
Ralph & Russo was one of the few British couture houses created in the twenty first century and a reference for the Gulf region's demand for couture. Its later financial difficulties are also an example of the risks of rapid expansion in the couture sector.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Ralph & Russo?
Retail Ecommerce Ventures, a US investment firm, bought the brand out of administration in 2021, according to FashionUnited and Wikipedia. Current ownership has not been verified for 2026.
Where is Ralph & Russo from?
Ralph & Russo is a British couture house founded in Mayfair, London, in 2006 by Tamara Ralph and Michael Russo.