Tamara Ralph’s S/S25 Couture Collection Is Her Most Melodic Yet
Tamara Ralph’s latest ode to couture draws inspiration from the layered beauty of musical composition
For S/S 2025, Tamara Ralph presents an homage to timeless elegance with a meeting of the bygone art of couture with a more modern sensibility. Inspired by the delicate harmonies and intricate layers of orchestral compositions, the collection plays out like poetry. “With each collection, I find inspiration in different ways and through novel mediums,” Tamara tells Bazaar Qatar. “Sometimes it’s a piece of art, or a place, a film, or even a person who becomes a muse. With this collection, I drew inspiration from symphony. A symphony is poetic in nature; it is equal parts soft but impactful – and often strong – and it comes to life thoughtfully and beautifully. I infused this notion throughout the collection, and with the show, marrying it with my design aesthetic in a way that felt thoughtful and intentional. Femininity is paired with modernity, innovation with a sense of timelessness. I wanted to celebrate the design codes for which I have become known, whilst also pushing my brand forward with each new collection and, very meaningfully, drawing elements from the source of my inspiration.”
A delightful spring colour palette of baby yellows, fresh mints, and soft pinks transitions into the darker allure of the evening with deep raspberry and black. Fabrics including rich velvets and shimmering silks feel ultra luxurious and decadent, but are worn effortlessly. “I found inspiration in the many layers and seemingly limitless nuances behind a symphony — with the collection, looks are brought to life, and unfold, like the delicate yet purposeful notes of an orchestra,” the creative director and founder says. “Fabrics flow like undulating notes of a song, creating – in a way – a visual melody with movement, texture, vibrancy in colour and an overall sense of fluidity. With music – much like couture – art and craftsmanship are blended in perfect unison, resulting in something incredibly special and wholly unique.”
As something of a design signature, pearls also play a significant role in the collection; and one which resonates with Middle Eastern clients. “Pearls are a detail often featured throughout my collections in new and interesting ways as I always endeavour to push my own boundaries creatively – be it multiple strands of delicate pearls on a welltailored suit, or layers of pearls throughout the entire bodice of a bridal gown, such as the final look featured in the Spring-Summer 2025 couture collection, to create something truly exquisite yet unexpected,” says Tamara. “I am drawn to them not only because they are precious in nature and in composition, but I also feel they embody the perfect symmetry between something that feels very innately feminine, romantic and ethereal, while also being timeless and classic in style. They are also a strong and enduring gemstone. All of these details, combined, feel quite symbolic of my brand.”
Tamara continues, “In keeping with this, pearls are also prominently featured throughout my collaboration with French crystal house Daum, with whom I created a collection titled ‘Poétique Collection by Tamara Ralph’ which launched alongside my S/S 2025 couture collection. The partnership pays homage to the Art Nouveau movement, a core inspiration for Daum, whilst embodying a resolutely modern and boldly feminine vision. The collection reinterprets Art Nouveau codes with references to nature through organic forms resembling draped fabric, unfolding like a flower in bloom. It features undulating lines, asymmetrical curves, golden and white pearls adorning metal crowns, and a sensual aesthetic in a palette of soft pinks. This was such a wonderful experience, and I very much enjoyed being able to exercise my creativity in a new space and product category.”
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia Qatar Summer 2025 Issue