Words like elegant, glamorous, bold, powerful and expensive do not capture the grandeur of the Chado Ralph Rucci Spring 2012 Fashion Show. It was a dedication to Mrs. Casey Ribicoff and an intense display of the best of the feminine aesthetic. It was without a doubt my best experience on every level this season and the only show I attended that got a standing ovation.
Laurent Vacher’s’ orchestration was a perfect accompaniment for the stride of the exquisite artisanal technique and handwork that encompassed this collection. As I sat waiting for the show to commence, I was told that this would be my favorite. It was the first for me so my skepticism feigned more neutral anticipation. Then when the first outfit- a white neoprene coat over a white faille straight skirt- paraded before my eyes, I felt like the heavens opened up. Every piece gleamed luxury, and the model’s canvas’ were immaculately presented with uniformed hairstyles, shoes, and gloves designed exclusively for the brand by Manolo Blahnik and Samantha Nguyen that enhanced the silhouette of the designs and the overall concept.
There was a silver python jacket, an ultra suede dress and coat, a white bonded wool jacket with plastic insets with white cigarette pants that were simply perfect, and when a fabulous latex coat passed and I had to catch my breath. Pieces like the kimono jacket and the white wool crepe with embossed tulle top were perfect evidence to how superior the detailing in this collection stood ten looks into the show. The simplicity and structure of the wisteria double-face wool dress, the sensational oyster side panel dress and the nude yoked dress will provide excellent cocktail options but are not to be outdone by black caviar blouson dress (which I loved) and the nude galline and horsehair flounce dress as a more fun cocktail alternative.
The most wanted dresses will include the dramatic flair of the black hammered silk and tulle sleeve dress, the black caviar sleeveless shell top with the wisteria infanta with black hem, the black gazar floor length coat, and the black matte jersey and body gown with paillette tube. My favorites included the white beaded fringe dress and the white glass embroidered amphibian black gown though the white dress will not go without mention. The show stopper, however, which had a resounding round of applause as Nana modeled, was the printed gazar caftan.
The show was a masterpiece of epic proportions which became more evident when Rucci came to take his bow and everyone in the theatre stood to clap and cheer.
