Angelina Jolie wowed everyone when she walked the red carpet for the world premiere of Maria during the 81st Venice Film Festival in August. Jolie exuded the old Hollywood glamour she’s become known for at the festival in a stone-colored draped chiffon strapless gown with a dramatic faux fur cape. The look instantly became the talk of the internet – she was called “goddess,” “royal,” and of course, “queen.” One question on everyone’s mind? Who created this retro-chic outfit? As it turns out, it was designed by Tamara Ralph, a veteran celebrity stylist who recently worked for Blake Lively), Florence Pugh and Halle Berry, taking Hollywood by storm.
Ralph is the co-founder and creative director of haute couture dress brand Ralph & Russo as of 2021, where he has designed clothes for everyone from Jennifer Lopez to Zendaya and Jolie Peoples. So it’s no surprise that celebrity dressing is the main focus of his new eponymous collection, launching in 2022. “It’s a business, but in my opinion, working organically with celebrities is the only way to ensure an authentic approach and results,” Ralph told Askew. “It’s also important to make sure that myself and my brand are connected with the right talent — someone who shares my ethos and values, inspires me and who has a voice that resonates with me.”
Tamara Ralph’s dominance has been especially evident in the past month: From the Toronto International Film Festival to the Emmys, A-list stars have appeared in her formal designs. In Toronto, Lopez wore a Tamara Ralph silver mirrored column dress with side cutouts and velvet bows, while Pugh wore the designer’s pink silk taffeta with pleated bodice detail dress. At the Emmys, Rita Ora wore a pink silk double satin strapless dress with the brand’s silk chiffon cape, while Eiza Gonzalez wore a sequined style with an ostrich leather cape. (Observers on social media pointed out that both looks were similar. The strapless gown and cape combo is Tamara Ralph’s signature look). What is Ralph’s favorite look? “I can never pick!” she said. “It’s so hard and I don’t like to play favorites. Every moment is special to me.”
In a sea of red carpet options – where celebrities and their stylists have access to almost any fashion house – Ralph’s current popularity in this area is certainly interesting. While brands like Loewe and Balenciaga have thrived by attracting stars with glamorous silhouettes that challenge traditional glitz and glamour, Ralph has elevated the appeal of classic gowns, while his front-line clients also appreciate the product. The designer says Hollywood’s elite often come to him. “Throughout my career, I have strived to build special relationships with celebrities and their teams,” he said. “In many cases, I have a direct relationship with the celebrity and we work together to create their look. In other cases, it may be through their stylist.”
While Ralph’s ultra-feminine dresses didn’t push the envelope of fashion like the sculptural designs of Schiaparelli or Bottega Veneta, not everyone was willing to take such a bold risk. Lately, the red carpet set has been filled with the designer’s stunning designs that are definitely still eye-catching. Just last week, Berry, a longtime fan of Tamara Ralph, stepped out wearing a crystal mesh chevron gown by the designer. Tamara Ralph also attended the It Ends With Us press tour, and Blake Lively wore a belted Ralph crystal mesh intarsia gown with floral appliqués (and a cape, of course).
Ralph says we can expect to see more of his work on the red carpet in the coming months. Ralph said: “Red carpet apparel will always be an integral part of the brand and I will continue to invest time and energy in maintaining and building new relationships with the celebrities and the teams behind them who are a valuable asset to me and the designers. “I feel really good about the brand.
