Angelina Jolie dress sells for £43,520, over ten times its pre-sale estimate
Rita Ora gown sells for three times its pre-sale estimate
Kylie Jenner gown sells for double its pre-sale estimate

London – Bonhams hosted The Haute Couture Archive of Ralph & Russo, a significant collection of exceptional haute couture gowns from the archives of the house of Ralph & Russo. The dedicated online sale took place on bonhams.com between 16-29 January 2025. The star of the sale was Ralph & Russo Haute Couture custom-made layered chiffon and tulle hand pleated dress with beads and chains, finished with a floor length drape cape. The design features a gold cage bodice with majestic shoulders custom made in Italy by a jeweller artisan. Worn by Angelina Jolie to the London premiere of Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, in 2019. The gown achieved £43,520, more than ten times its pre-sale estimate of £4,000-6,000.

The 151-lot sale made a total of £522,163 with 75% sold by lot and 100% sold by value.

Another sale highlight was a Ralph & Russo Haute Couture AW17, look 54, white and fresh mint ombré ball gown featuring tiers of ostrich feather appliqué and glass bead clusters, sweetheart neckline and full skirt. Worn by Rita Ora to the Brit Awards in 2018. The gown took over 1000 hours to produce and achieved £15,360, three times its pre-sale estimate of £5,000-8,000.

Meg Randell, Bonhams Head of UK and Europe Designer Handbags and Fashion commented: "It was a rare privilege to be able to present for the first time, so many exceptional haute couture gowns from the atelier of Ralph & Russo including a selection of designs worn on the red carpet. The sale achieved fantastic results garnering bidders from across the world, attracting museums, seasoned haute couture collectors and new fans who simply appreciated the breathtaking creations and will breathe new life into them. The sale shows the enduring allure of haute couture, and it is a delight to see the appreciation for the skill and craftsmanship that has gone into creating each design by the skilled hands of the former atelier. The sale was a magical glimpse into the world of haute couture."

Another notable lot was Ralph & Russo Haute Couture SS20, look 24, tulle strapless gown worn by Kylie Jenner to the Oscars Vanity Fair after party in 2020. The gown took over 200 hours to make and features a structured rounded corset, embellished with sequins, xilions and Swarovski crystals, finished with a black crinoline frill applique. The gown achieved £8,320, double the pre-sale estimate.

Other highlights included:
• A Ralph & Russo Haute Couture AW16, look 40, pale blue silk organza strapless gown, appliquéd with silk tulle ruffles and embellished with glass beads and gold feather threadwork. Worn by Zendaya for a photo shoot with W Magazine in 2017.The ballgown achieved £6,400, more than its pre-sale estimate.

• A striking Ralph & Russo Haute Couture AW19, look 50, cherry red and raspberry silk organza ballgown and matching cape, featuring handcut silk organza petals and pleated tulle ruffles appliqued in a growing botanical design. Worn by Anne Hathaway to the virtual premiere of The Witches in London, 2020. The dress achieved £5,376.

• A Ralph & Russo Haute Couture AW15, look 43, red frayed silk chiffon ruffle ballgown with sheer full-length sleeves. Worn by Nicole Kidman in a 2019 photo shoot for Omega. The gown took 400 hours to complete and achieved £5,376.