Mode | Bonhams
The Haute Couture Archive of Ralph & Russo - including celebrity red carpet gowns
| 2025-01-19 |     |
kicks off Bonhams London Fashion calendar for 2025
Bonhams presents The Haute Couture Archive of Ralph & Russo, a significant collection of exceptional haute couture gowns from the archives of the house of Ralph & Russo. The online sale will take place on bonhams.com between 16-29 January 2025. The 150-lot sale forms the first Bonhams London fashion sale for 2025.
Created by the former Ralph & Russo atelier, it is the first time so many of the exquisite archive Ralph & Russo gowns have been offered at auction and includes designs seen on the runway and worn by A-list celebrities, including Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Nicole Kidman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Penelope Cruz, Sydney Sweeney, Angelina Jolie, Winnie Harlow, Kaia Gerber, Rita Ora, Adriana Lima and Kylie Jenner, for notable appearances on the red carpet.
The fashion house Ralph & Russo was founded in 2006 by Tamara Ralph and Michael Russo in Mayfair, London. Prior to the maison closing in 2020, they were the only British fashion house to be accredited by the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture and the dresses in the sale demonstrate the incredible craftsmanship of the house. Following the acquisition in 2021, the vision is to elevate the brand into a new era.
A standout lot from The Haute Couture Archive of Ralph & Russo sale, is a striking Ralph & Russo Haute Couture AW19, look 50, cherry red and raspberry silk organza ballgown and matching cape, featuring handcut silk organza petals and pleated tulle ruffles appliqued in a growing botanical design. Worn by Anne Hathaway to the virtual premiere of The Witches in London, 2020, the dress is offered with an estimate of £5,000-8,000.
Another notable lot is a Ralph & Russo Haute Couture custom-made layered chiffon and tulle hand pleated dress with beads and chains, finished with a floor length drape cape. The design features a gold cage bodice with majestic shoulders custom made in Italy by a jeweller artisan. Worn by Angelina Jolie to the London premiere of Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, in 2019, the dress is offered with an estimate of £4,000-6,000.
Another sale highlight is a Ralph & Russo Haute Couture SS20, look 24, tulle strapless gown worn by Kylie Jenner to the Oscars Vanity Fair after party in 2020. The gown took over 200 hours to make and features a structured rounded corset, embellished with sequins, xilions and Swarovski crystals, finished with a black crinoline frill applique. Offered with an estimate of £4,000-6,000.
Meg Randell, Bonhams Head of UK and Europe Designer Handbags and Fashion
“It is a rare privilege to be able to present so many exceptional Haute Couture gowns from the atelier of Ralph & Russo including a selection of designs worn on the red carpet. The dresses are breathtaking, having been hand embellished by the skilled hands of the former atelier taking many hours to complete, the craftsmanship can only be compared to a spectacular work of art. The gowns come with impeccable provenance, coming from the original archives of Ralph & Russo. The first fashion sale of 2025 offers a truly unique opportunity to glimpse into the magical world of Haute Couture.”
