Get to Know Ralph Russo, the Australian Brand Gripping the Entire Universe

Chances are, if you’ve been gearing up for the royal wedding, you’ve been hearing this name a lot lately. Why? Ralph Russo is rumoured to be the potential designer of bride-to-be Meghan Markle’s wedding dress, and the closer the wedding gets, the more and more likely it seems.

But what exactly is the story behind the brand? Because of the building excitement surrounding the upcoming nuptials (and because we have a weakness for any Australian designer) we couldn’t help but want to know more. So never fear, if you’ve been hearing the name around but don’t actually know that much about the brand, we’ve sussed out everything you need to know. For a little background on Markle’s purported wedding gown designer, keep scrolling as we break it down for you.

 The Brand Has an Impressive list of clientele

It seems as though everyone loves Ralph Russo, so Markle isn’t the exception here. With a list of clients ranging from Angelina Jolie to Rihanna a number of celebrities seem to have a thing for the Australian brand. Gwyneth Paltrow, Beyonce, Kim Kardashian, Bella Hadid, Blake Lively… the list goes on and on, but you get the idea.

The dresses aren’t easy to make

As with any haute couture, a lot goes into crafting Ralph Russo gowns. However, the level of detail and technique required means that this brand truly goes above and beyond. Harper’s Bazaar elaborates: “Constructed entirely by hand over thousands of hours, using techniques that are centuries old, with sublimely feminine silhouettes crafted around corsetry and then embroidered or otherwise extravagantly decorated, this is truly the best that money can buy; beyond price, beyond fashion, beyond all reason.”

Markle has been a fan for a while

Most notably, Markle appeared in her engagement photos with Prince Harry wearing an ornate Ralph Russo gown. In a sheer-top number, Markle wowed the world with her stunning gown—so we wouldn’t be surprised if she opted for the brand again.

The Brand Knows Business

Despite the hefty price tag, Business of Fashion reports that the brand’s list of clients clocks in at over 600. “In 2014, Ralph Russo was the first British brand to show at Paris Couture Week, and since became the first British couture house to join the French Chambre Syndicale.” The brand also appeared on Forbes’ 40 under 40 list in 2013… the only ones to make the cut from the fashion industry.

Ralph and russo are a real-life couple

What could be more romantic than designing the wedding gown for the royal family? The fact that the designers behind the brand are a couple “in real life” as well. While Ralph handles the design side of the operation, Russo focuses on the business: Needless to say, their system seems to be working out pretty well.

Want to get your hands on Ralph Russo before the brand blows up? Shop Vestiaire Collective's selection of consignment pieces by the brand.