Ralph Rucci is such a talented designer that many believe he is the best designer working in American fashion today. And his collection for fall did contain some of the most innovative pieces we’ve seen all week, leading us to be believers.
Rucci is the master of understatement. At first glance, his clothing is deceptively simple. The lines are clean and complementary to a woman’s body. At closer inspection, you start to understand the depth that goes into these incredible works of art. What appeared to be a simple pieced fur jacket, was so much more intricate. The fur squares were sewn onto a layer of tulle, backed with silk and finished with knotted strips of leather. And a simple looking black dress and coat turned out to be made of little leather strips, woven, braided and strung together in an artisanal way.
Every one one of the 59 (!) outfits shown could be deconstructed like this. It was kind of overwhelming, but it seemed Rucci had something big to say.
Incredible clothing aside, this show contained the single best accessory of the week. The models all wore sleek and shiny wide headbands made of plastic wrap. This designer is a fave of Martha Stewart’s and now we know why — they think the same, out-of-the-box way.