Monday, November 10, 2014

Ralph Rucci to step away from his company.

For those of you who've read this blog on occasion or followed it over the past few years know how highly I regard Ralph Rucci and his incredible contribution to the increasingly rarefied world of Haute Couture and fashion in general. Here in NYC, America and the world at large, there's no one who can match his particular gifts. It takes only a moment to get a hint of the genius behind most every single piece of clothing he designs. Taking the language of classical design and construction, he has inverted and invented whole new techniques. The work is so alive, dynamic and provocative in a most quiet way, that it's hard to look at his clothes or watch a collection on the runway without being moved in a physical way. They challenge and they excite. Most of all they satisfy in a time where there is little satisfaction in fashion to be found on almost every level. Ralph is that rare exception.

Today, the company announced that Ralph has decided to leave the company and "pursue other projects". This is a tragedy and travesty. Ralph Rucci has given his life to his metier, his family of brilliant technicians and a muse that has brought many of us to tears more than once.  The pressures of maintaining an Haute Couture collection of such exquisite beauty, made of the finest materials, leathers, furs and embroideries has to be staggeringly expensive. Fortunately, or unfortunately at this juncture, a client who's husband is an industrialist bought the company and name, I fear, 2 years ago. The Marks control it now and have decided to remove him and reshape it in their image; pedestrian and soulless. They intend to name a new creative director in the next weeks and debut the re imagined RR collection for Resort 2015.

It's a sad day for many of us, especially his loyal clients who are practically collectors of his treasures. They will be flattened by this news. I'm stunned though I feared this was coming sooner than later, just not this soon. I hope that Ralph will continue to create if he chooses. More than anything I hope that he knows how much he is revered and admired. There is no one on this planet who can speak so poetically through fashion design as he. I miss him already.



8 comments:

Anonymous said...

The word genius is bandied about quite a lot. There are only a few people that deserve to be described as such. Ralph Rucci is one of them. His work is as close as the human hand can create perfection. I like living in New York knowing that I'm alive at a time of giants. Mr. Rucci is one. His talent, his gifts, his commitment, his hard work are equally matched by his humanity, the way he comports himself, the way he treats colleagues, friends, family and employees. I like living in New York and in the world knowing there is a Ralph Rucci. Greatness does not always go hand in hand with goodness. In his case the two are inextricable.

Fluff Chance said...

Wow. That was well put. I wholeheartedly agree. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

LONG LIVE ART

Unknown said...

So very sad, I always loved Joan Kaner's support of Ralph, he didn't fit into the Barneys structure, though I always so respected his talent

Alexander said...

I really hope no one goes to this next show for the brand. The industry as a whole should reject Ralph Rucci without Ralph Rucci.

Anonymous said...

There is no designer alive who can move an entire audience to tears and who
can create perfection in a garment inside and out.
It doesn't matter what name he will use,his followers will find him and continue in the quest for perfection.
This journey is not over. It will just continue in another direction.

Annagamm said...

Did everyone notice the SILENCE in WWD and all other fashion internet sources! It was deafening! Thanks for providing a gleaning inner look at the details. This news was bigger than Oscar's passing, in my books. Rucci was always working on the edge of the fashion biz, serving his clientele, to a blackout from Vogue, a single page from Bazaar...
His clientele were the creme de la creme, quiet, discreet, wealthy. I learned from an associate that worked for him a while ago, these women would favor their personal fitters with gifts of fine jewelry. Rucci received gifts and endowments also. Maybe barter,trade or favors. No fault there. The FIT showing was awesome some time ago, when he had his book issued. I always saw him as the last sole creator with guts and more to survive the suits that took over the Biz in the 90's. I am so sad, many are as well...

everyday a floor show said...

Mad as can be magnificen man talent extraordinaire...please don't let his dream pass.