10 Things You Need To Know About Cheryl's Wedding Dress Designer

You've probably heard by now that Cheryl Cole, sorry Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, had a second wedding bash in London. The bride wore a black Ralph & Russo gown with a velvet bodice and sheer pleated chiffon skirt with a thigh high slit. Not familiar with the work of Ralph & Russo? Well as always we're here to improve your fashion IQ, with a Ralph & Russo guide for dummies...

1. The label was launched in 2007 by design duo Tamara Ralph and Michael Russo

The British brand – founded by engaged Australian couple Tamara Ralph and Michael Russo in 2007 – has a clientele of Middle Eastern princesses and A-listers such as Angelina Jolie and Beyonce.

View pictures: school formal dresses

2. They have never done ready to wear, but focus solely on couture

Michael Russo explained to Grazia Daily why they decided to focus on couture. "As we started developing our contact base in the UK and listening to our audience, we decided to purely focus on made-to-measure couture. Clients were looking for that unique piece that nobody else would have for special occasions and it wasn’t easy to find in London, particularly without a lead-time of three to six months. We specialise in couture eveningwear, cocktail pieces, bridal wear and daywear and the process allows us to work closely with individual clients on each piece and deliver a truly bespoke service."

3. They made history joining the Paris Haute Couture club

In February 2014 Ralph & Russo showed at Paris Couture Fashion Week - the first time a British brand has been added to the couture schedule alongside the likes of Chanel and Dior in over a century. The Chambre Syndicale’s former president, Didier Grumbach, said: "We expect savoir faire, which is being lost, and they Ralph & Russo have it".

4. They have a celeb loyal celeb following

Ralph & Russo gowns are often spotted on the red carpet on the likes of Angelina Jolie, Suki Waterhouse and Beyonce. One of our all time favourite Russo looks is the strapless red ball gown Arizona Muse wore to the Met Ball. Major swoon!

5. The Ralph & Russo signature dress...

Michael said to Grazia Daily: "Ralph & Russo gowns are always show stopping pieces that are designed to be glamorous and feminine. There is no signature ‘look’ as such, as we prefer to design specifically for each individual. But we are renowned for working closely with each of our clients to create flattering cuts for their body shape by taking an extensive set of measurements every time they place a new order."

6. They have designed a number of on stage looks for Beyonce

Ralph & Russo is the label behind the white sparkly bodysuit Beyonce wore on her Mrs Carter World Tour. Tamara said to Grazia Daily: "We can usually create custom made couture pieces within three to five weeks. With something like Beyoncé’s pieces, we had a team of 20 couturiers working around the clock on the outfits which were completed in 4 weeks!"

7. They have a thing for Swarvoski sparkle

Beyonce's Atlantic City costume had over 500,000 Swarovski Elements. Gulp. Speaking of the glitz, Tamara said toGrazia Daily: "The most intricate gown we have ever worked on was a sheer tulle open back fishtail gown with a dramatic bespoke jewelled back-piece. The gown was adorned with over 152,000 Swarovski Elements and took up to 30 couturiers three months to make."

8. Charlize Theron is on their red carpet bucket list

When we asked which A Listers they would like to work with the design duo said: "We feel privileged to have such an amazing client base which includes A-list celebrities, international royalty, business women and jetsetters, but we would love to see Charlize Theron in a Ralph & Russo gown one day...."

9. Tamara and Michael are some of the most powerful people on planet fashion

In 2013, Tamara Ralph and Michael Russo made it onto Fortune magazine's 40 under 40 alongside Marissa Mayer and Mark Zuckerberg. They came in at number 39 - the only fashion company to make the cut.

10. They opened their flagship in August 2013

If you want to buy your own gown, then head to Sloane Street where they opened their flagship showroom and atelier back in August 2013.

See also: vintage cocktail dresses

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