Huge congratulations on your win, what does it mean to you to receive the Outstanding Achievement Award from Walpole?
Tamara: It’s an incredible honour, we are so grateful to be acknowledged for our contribution to the industry and to represent Britain in driving the future of luxury fashion forward. We’re so incredibly proud of what we have achieved and to be setting an example for the future generation within luxury fashion.
How important are accolades to you in your careers?
Michael: It’s always a huge privilege to be recognised for your work and accolades have certainly played a part in raising our global awareness; but they have also been important not only for Tamara and myself, but for our team. Each achievement instills a real sense of pride in each and every member, inspiring them to push forward, innovate and pursue new ideas.
What do you think sets Ralph & Russo apart from other luxury brands?
Tamara: We believe personal interaction with our clients and the experience we provide for them is an integral part of our brand, but what really sets us apart is the level of quality and craftsmanship that is applied to each element of the business. Our clients are never one-time buyers, they buy across all of our product categories and are delivered not just a product, but a lifestyle option where impeccable quality is paramount.
How do you define luxury?
Tamara: By quality and experience. Luxury is for the individual that wants to invest in excellence, and just as craftsmanship plays a key role within luxury, so does experience; the client should feel at the absolute forefront of the brand’s world.
What do you think the secret is to a successful working relationship?
Michael: Communication, understanding and ultimately, teamwork. Tamara and I are very lucky in that our personalities and strengths really complement each other. Whilst Tamara leads on the creative side with her natural flair, I lead on the business strategy, allowing business and design to understand each other and work together.
You have dressed some of the most famous women in the world, what does the Ralph & Russo woman embody?
Michael: The Ralph & Russo woman has a clear understanding of her own sense of style. She embodies strength, elegance and femininity; she is the empowered woman of today.
How important is it to you to have a good relationship with people that you are dressing?
Tamara: Incredibly important. We love having such personal relationships with our clients; our interaction with them is never left at the maison door, we dine together, attend events with them and holiday like family. Holding a close relationship with your client is great for the design process too because you are able to fully understand their needs, personality and unique style.
Who would you love to dress that you haven't yet?
Michael: We’ve dressed some incredible women thus far and there is a plethora of women that we would love to dress. If we’d had the opportunity to dress Lauren Bacall, we think she would have looked amazing in Ralph & Russo.
What is the biggest luxury in your lives?
Tamara: (Laughs) Going on holiday!
What do you love most about what you do?
Tamara: I love the creativity and the ever-changing element of fashion - it is always evolving and demanding new ideas. Equally, seeing your designs come to life when they hit the runway or drop in store and bring happiness to women worldwide - whether on a daily basis or on their wedding day - is a truly special feeling.
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