Famous Last Words: Tamara Ralph Shares Her Life Lessons

Her haute couture creations are beloved by celebrities like Bella Hadid, Rihanna and Angelina Jolie, which is just one of the reasons this Whitehouse Institute of Design graduate, who founded her eponymous label in 2023 is always in the spotlight. London based Tamara may have established her credentials with her initial foray into the fashion field with Ralph & Russo, but it’s clear that her new line is breaking design boundaries – and taking her creativity to new heights

Is it more important to be liked or respected?

Undoubtedly, is far more important to be respected.

What book changed your life and why?

Steve Jobs. He was a visionary who broke boundaries and although he experienced struggles in his business career, he stayed true to his vision and designed with conviction. I often listen to podcasts of his speeches as I find them so motivating.

What are you proudest of?

Becoming a mother to, now, two beautiful daughters.

Who are your heroes?

Women generally, and my mum.

What is your motto?

The only limits you have in life are those you place on yourself – no matter what, always believe in yourself

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

I don’t think good morals or virtues are ever overrated. In fact, I think they are sometimes lacking in today’s society.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I’m quite impatient, so I’d like to improve on that as I tend to want things to happen immediately. I like to work hard to achieve what I want in life, and therefore I seek instant results with everything I do. It can be very motivating for the people around me, but also admittedly stressful, and so it’s something I am constantly trying to improve upon and give things the time they need. Also, being a creative, I tend to be quite indecisive when selecting and narrowing down my hundreds of sketches I have designed when creating a collection. I go through it hundreds of times and change things until it is perfect, eventually I get there but it is a process!

What’s your greatest extravagance?

I am a true beauty enthusiast – especially when it comes to skincare – so this is defi nitely an area in which I happily splurge. Also, travel. I love to explore new destinations and immerse myself in foreign cultures.

What does success mean to you?

Doing what makes me happiest, and fulfilling my life’s purpose. Also, being the best role model I could possibly be for my daughters and being someone they look up to.

What’s your most treasured possession?

The earrings my partner gave me to celebrate the birth of our daughter.

What traits do you admire most in others?

Strength, kindness, and humility

What would you ban if you had the chance?

Inequality. Guiltiest pleasure? Chocolate.

If you could be anyone else, who would it be and why?

I wouldn’t want to be anyone else. I’m so blessed with everything – and everyone – that life has given me. I only strive to always be a better me for myself, my family and – perhaps most importantly – for my daughters.

What inspires you most about your job?

Being able to tap into my innate creativity and allow it to truly flourish, and pushing boundaries. I am also inspired by the very women for which I create and the team I work with are so passionate and talented, they constantly inspire me.

What do you most value in your friends?

Their unconditional love, and the fact they are always there for me. They are true friends.

Imagery Supplied

From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia June 2025 Issue