NYFW: Chado Ralph Rucci SS 2012

It’s rare that designers ever get a standing ovation, it does happen, but not too often.  The Chad Ralph Rucci SS 2012 collection got anoutstanding standing ovation, no one has ever gotten a standing ovation this week like Ralph Rucci did this season! Rucci holds a special kind of devotion to his customers. Judging by the reactions of his customers, buyers, and editors at the show, Spring is going to be a good season for the designer.

In no particular order, the looks that garnered the most applause were a glossy white neoprene coat with exaggerated, rounded sleeves; a signature printed caftan encrusted here and there with clusters of colorful crystals; and a baby pink caviar-beaded catsuit topped by a gazar feathered tunic.

Among the showpieces were his signature wool crepe skirtsuits and dresses inset more often than not with clear plastic rather than the horsehair he usually uses. Occasionally, those plastic insets grew to deep cuffs on the sleeves of a coat or even the entire back of a jacket. The plastic was a bit of a head-scratcher, reminds me a bit of Michael Angel’s collection a few seasons a go.

Two of the favorite pieces from the collection, two real showstoppers, were, the first a black matte jersey gown, most of the torso of which was sheer black net, and the second a sleeveless white wool gown fastened only at the neckline in back so it opened to reveal a long cherry red paillette tube skirt. You didn’t have to be a fan to appreciate this collection.  We are NOW a true fan and look forward to his next collection…and many more after that!