The Business of Fashion
Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
A representative for Quantuma Advisory, an advisory firm appointed as one of Ralph & Russo’s administrators, confirmed media reports that Retail Ecommerce Ventures (REV) acquired the British couture house’s brand and assets. The spokesperson declined to comment further.
Ralph & Russo filed for administration in March after the economic impact of the pandemic pushed the loss-making brand over the edge. The brand reported losses of £14.8 million ($20.4 million) for the year ended March 2019, up from £12.4 million the year previous, according to public filings.
Neither Ralph & Russo or REV immediately responded to requests for comment.
Ralph & Russo was founded in 2010 by Tamara Ralph and Michael Russo. The brand made global headlines in 2017 after Meghan Markle chose to wear one of its £56,000 couture gowns for her official engagement portraits.
Editor’s Note: This story was updated on July 1, 2021, to reflect that BoF confirmed reports that Retail Ecommerce Ventures acquired Ralph & Russo.
Former Estée Lauder executive Raffaella Cornaggia has been named CEO of the unit, which will develop beauty for the French group’s brands, including Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga and Alexander McQueen.
Cultural credibility must be earned with respect for sneakerheads, not on their backs, argues Christopher Morency.
In the long run, luxury brands that lean into timeless products consistently outperform their more fashion-driven peers, writes Pierre Mallevays.