Daily Front Row

2010 February 12

Chado Ralph Rucci

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Chado Ralph Rucci
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(NEW YORK) “Subtlety of detail is more easily appreciated at close range,” said the Chado Ralph Rucci. The intimate runway show took place inside the designer’s showroom where no one was more than 10 feet from the dresses and it was apparent to all why Rucci is haute couture.

Fur is luxurious no matter what but Ralph Rucci makes it art. He dyed Russian sable black and combined it with horsehair. Minks were bleached or knitted together with fox. The same can be said of feathers, which were used to diverse and dramatic effect on cocktail dresses and gowns. Sheer tulle paneling tied the collection together adding interest and lightness to otherwise simple silhouettes.

The refined and regal quality of the pieces are bound to end up on women like Hilary Clinton—there were pants suits with her name on them—and Michelle Obama, not to mention the New York upper crust who turned out in full force to support Rucci at the show.