FASHION BY THE RULES: The Opening Act

FASHION BY THE RULES: THE OPENING ACT

For Fall 2010, the opening of fashion week began with a smash thanks to Chado by Ralph Rucci. For this week I will refrain from my usual trend like column to give a rave to one of the last artists of the fashion business. Given the untimely passing of Alexander McQueen, I felt that I should pay homage to another designer who defies the business, and instead focuses on constructing extraordinary art.

One must always take into account the vision involved in designing the line and then making that sketch into reality. Two cases in point are Mr. Rucci and the late Mr. McQueen.

Mr. Rucci has consistently delivered the highest standards possible with his collections.  He is the architect and the historian who creates these deceptively simple garments. There is such genius and technical savvy involved that it is hard to be believe that these clothes could be sold off the rack rather than at the couture level.

Mr. Rucci offers up the restraint that only a fine artist can attain with his or her craft. His clothes are for the infinitely tasteful, not to mention rich, ladies who are devotees to these works of art, consider them the 21st century patrons like the Medici’s.

Mr. Rucci will never be accused of starting a trend but he will always be considered a consummate designer/ artist who never forgets that fashion is an art, not just a trade.

If you are a student of fashion, whether it is in school or as a hobby, these clothes must never be overlooked as they set the bar impossibly high for fashion designers the world over.

Please make sure you view the collection at style.com and don’t forget to stay tuned into NY fashion week Fall 2010 at http://jeffybruce.blogspot.com/