Ralph Rucci is a kind of rock star among the chauffeur-driven set (they don t borrow, but actually buy and wear his clothes), and he also has a following among the high-culture crowd (he received an award from the National Design Museum last year). But his name doesn t register with the cool kids, and you probably won t see his work on the Oscars red carpet.
Today s show won t alter that profile. Though handbags, by Leonello Borghi, were a new addition for the designer, there weren t any surprises in a Fall collection that came in a somewhat drab palette of brown, ivory, and black. Of course, Rucci s celebrated craftsmanship was as much in evidence as ever. There were amazing hand-braided pieces and suits with insets, some of which had a Cubist feel. Katia Kokoreva looked too haute for words in a feathered cage over a caviar-beaded jumpsuit, and an infanta gown with scribbled topstitching took the season s Frankenstein trend to its most elegant conclusion. Day options included smart dresses with pintuck detailing. "The first word that comes to mind [about Chado]," said Washington style icon and front-row guest Deeda Blair, "is quality." There was certainly enough of that on display today to keep the Rucci loyalists happy.
