DALLAS, Nov 19, 2003/ FW/ --- Designer Ralph Rucci said, “My clothes evolve one season at a time. Every collection builds on the past.”

His trans-Atlantic life as a designer, showing Haute Couture in Paris and presenting his ready-to-wear collection in New York is giving his Chado Ralph Rucci collection a very Parisian aura with a New Yorker lifestyle.

Technically and still marketed as a ready-to-wear line, the Spring 2004 Chado Ralph Rucci collection shown in New York last September has so many elements of couture, that the only way to describe is, “It is simply magnificent.”

Starting with the opening Rorschach printed shirtwaist dress through the closing white fluted mesh bodice gown with a hand painted and embroidered skirt, both worn by Angela Lindvall, the rigor of technique and hand tailoring are so apparent, one cannot help but admire the designer’s masterful execution.

Ralph Rucci created a whole wardrobe for the big city social set --- from a night at the Opera to shopping or just going out for lunch to the very popular cocktail parties.

He even thought of their travel needs, whether flying or on a cruise. Alek Wek’s white gros de longes raincoat, white boiled silk chiffon shell and scarf paired with a white lambskin jean is as chic as you want to be while jetting all over the world.

The white double-faced wool/silk coat worn by Coco Mitchell can be matched with almost anything to protect from the wearer with the ever-changing spring weather.

The designer even gave a fashion forecast – gloves are in! Sending exquisite gloves from traditional to gauntlet, Ralph Rucci is helping bring back a centuries-old code of conduct that venerates style.

The shoes and bags that went with the clothes are not to be missed either. Under license with Manolo Blahnik for the shoes and Carlos Falchi for the bags, don’t forget to pick up a matching set because they do go very well with the clothes.

To say that the collection is very sophisticated would be stating the obvious. And like its namesake, “chado” from the Japanese tea ceremony, Chado Ralph Rucci Spring 2004 is elegant and brings with it a positive aura to both the wearer and her surroundings.

Ralph Rucci

Ralph Rucci

Ralph Rucci

Ralph Rucci

Ralph Rucci