DALLAS, Jan 30, 2004/ FW/ --- Last week in Paris, American designer Ralph Rucci earned points both for himself and American creativity with his Haute Couture Spring 2004 collection which can be summed up in two words, innovative and magnifiqué.

With the decisiveness of someone who has mastered his techniques, Ralph Rucci decided to go for simple, understated looks, with subtle details, that makes a woman feel very confident but not overpowering.

With the clothes constructed by hand, the New York-based designer used hand stitching reminiscent of how clothes during the Middle Ages were constructed, yet it was very delicate that you can barely see it until it was only a few feet away.

And that is the beauty of this collection – the subtle ruching and subtle fringed hems, like the beige above-the knee dress that Maria Carla wore. The design on the skirt was similar to the delicateness of a spider web.

As the models walked, there were involuntary applauses and ooohhhs; like when Erin O’Connor came with a tortoise paillette coat, chiffon blouse and tweed/linen pants that were simply gorgeous.

The styling was impeccable and the clothes were just breathtaking.

Alan Casden, an American businessman who attends the haute couture shows every season with his wife Susan, kept on nodding his head, and whispering to his wife “That’s a nice outfit,” gave a heartfelt applause after the show.

When FW asked him if his wife would buy something of the collection, he said with a smile, “We’ll see. I believe she is going backstage right now to see the clothes again.”

And as I said goodbye to the Casdens, and exchanged hugs with Susan, I could not help myself but imagine that she would look simply irresistible in the pearl-embroidered blouse and black gazaar skirt that Diana modeled during the show.

With Susan’s tall stature and perfect figure, it will be an easy fitting session for Ralph Rucci’s staff.

Ralph Rucci

Ralph Rucci

Ralph Rucci

Ralph Rucci