Chado Ralph Rucci collection
In 2002, Ralph Rucci became the first American designer since Mainbocher to be invited to show in Paris by the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture. I had the pleasure of being there for that first show. I remember it was held at the Ritz. And I’ve been a devout fan ever since…
On Friday afternoon — the final day of New York Fashion Week – I attended the Fall/Winter 2009 show for his ready-to-wear line, Chado Ralph Rucci. He sent 59 sublime looks down the runway. Each highlighted Ralph’s unflinching attention to detail, his perfect understanding of proportion and his devotion to craft. I was, as always, swept away. This collection features structured coats accented by striking patent leather details, streamlined dresses with beautiful, surprising cutouts on the bias, rich fur jackets, and printed silk evening gowns, screened with larger-than-life photos of Khmer buddhas and even one of Ralph’s own paintings (in addition to being a clothing designer, he is also a fine artist). There was nothing silly or frou frou about the collection; just pure chic elegance. That’s Ralph.
Chado Ralph Rucci
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a new development this season for Ralph — a collaboration with handbag designer Leonello Borghi. Borghi created seven bags exclusively for Chado Ralph Rucci. As with Ralph’s clothes, they have beautiful architectural lines and are crafted from exquisite materials. They are the perfect complement to Ralph’s chic designs.
- In Chado Ralph Rucci before the New York City Ballet Opening Night gala, November 2007
Unlike many of the other New York Fashion Week shows, Ralph’s are low on celebrity culture and high on attendance by fashion insiders and design cognoscenti. Hamish Bowles, the European Editor of Vogue, with whom I recently co-chaired the opening of the Valentina exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York, was front row, as was Teri Aegins. Also in attendance were prominent New York figures Denise Rich, Deeda Blair, Charlotte Moss and Tatiana Sorokko (wearing a fabulous Ralph Rucci coat). Backstage, I had a chance to chat briefly with the Canadian television personality Jeanne Beker before she interviewed Ralph for her show.
Read some of my other posts on the inimitable Ralph Rucci:
