Ralph Rucci, a true renaissance man

Honesty, integrity, grace, and sophistication : all words to describe Ralph Rucci, the designer. Rucci is inspired by beautiful women such as Dita Blair, Patty Smith and his dear friend Elsa Peretti.  Each woman has a unique sense of style but still retains her own cultured elegance.  "The way a woman holds herself inspires me. If a beautiful woman is sitting next to artwork by Cy Twombly, she can overpower the piece".   

Two years ago, Rucci left his Chado Ralph Rucci label behind and is now about to begin a new chapter in his esteemed career, culminating in once again showing at Paris Fashion Week for Couture in July 2017.  “French women have a great nonchalance about them. ” Rucci notes, "the handbag they choose to carry is not an It-Bag of the moment but rather something that could be a cherished heirloom; elegant and sophisticated like the woman who carries it – the essence of chic".              

“In Paris, everyone is ready to see something incredible in fashion” Rucci says with an ease as if knowing his creations will be just that.   The excitement for Paris fashion week is always palpable.  Couture is best represented in Paris because you are preserving a heritage.  From the person who makes the toile, to the embroiderer, to the final fitting, the métiers of the house all work together to create a piece of fine art.  All of this is why Rucci insists  - “My heart is in Paris”.    

Over the years at Chado,  Rucci established a close-knit company of workers.  This group would sit down together and create something of such subtle elegance that only the knowing client would be able to appreciate every detail carefully worked into each design.  “My team inspired me to create !”  he says with obvious pride. His family of workers and friends is what Rucci misses the most about his previous organization.  Surely he will do everything in his power to create this same atmosphere at his new house, once again assembling an amazing team.  

Ralph Rucci surrounds himself with books.  In his sitting area are stored several piles of carefully organized books.  Books about fashion, art, philosophy and religion are everywhere.  It is obvious that as a designer and an artist, Rucci never stops learning. But the most fascinating thing in the room, beyond the seating area : three clothing racks of elegant designs not quite clear to the visitor.  One’s attention could not help but keep going back to these pieces – what was there? What is next for Ralph Rucci ?  The world is eagerly waiting, on the edge of their seats, to see how the designer, formerly known as Chado Ralph Rucci, will brilliantly reinvent himself this time.