NEW YORK, Feb 25, 2003/ --- Chado Ralph Rucci has a devoted following among fashion's more mature girls, and that was never more apparent than before his show this morning, as ladies excitedly chatted about their favorite Rucci pieces and what they were anticipating seeing (and buying) for fall 2003.

He designs for ladies who have a taste for the finer things in life and demand their clothing be beautifully tailored and show the world they have taste and style.

"This show is an equal balance of intensity and calmness -- it has to do with those references," Rucci explained backstage.

Luxury certainly was key, with skirts and short trenches in alligator and matte crocodile; other coats came in an array of furs including albino chinchilla, sable, black lambskin, fox and many in double-faced cashmere. Other luxe ways to keep warm included capes, fur throws and leather fringed shawls. Cashmere sweaters and pants were mainstays throughout the collection, as were long leather gloves and backpack style leather bags.

For evening Rucci offered jersey and organza dresses, a sfumato taffeta gown, a satin skirt paired with a cashmere turtleneck and a green and black hand-eyelash fringed dress. Beaded cashmere coats finished off the looks.

Whether the ensemble was day or evening, the pieces hung beautifully, skimming the body rather than hugging it. This will surely appeal to Rucci's loyal and established clientele, but won't bring in the younger girls who would likely look dowdy in such conservative cuts.

The hair was as classic as the collection, styled in a simple chignon, but not too perfectly. As for makeup, Chrisanne Davis from Fresh explained, "Ralph likes sexy, strong but not too fashiony make-up on the girls. He likes a strong eye usually with metallic and copper tones, as they are colors he often uses in collections himself, with a neutral lip. It is a very complimentary look with the clothing."