Chado Ralph Rucci Spring 2013: Joyful pastels, strong craftsmanship

A look from the Chado Ralph Rucci Spring 2013 show at New York Fashion Week. (photo by Bibs Teh / Meniscus Magazine)

Fluorescent pink, yellow, orange and green joyfully dominated the Chado Ralph Rucci Spring 2013 collection.  At times used as an accent against stark black or white pieces, these colors also made bold individual statements by themselves.  A bright Barbie-pink silk faille sleeveless dress with paneled skirt left an elegant, grown-up impression, while vibrant Pucci-esque swirls of braided fabric surprisingly swam up and down the arm of an otherwise all-black suit jacket.

In the show notes, Rucci stated that he “continually strives to inspire the individual who independently seeks refinement, beauty and tranquility in the world of fashion.”  This collection, true to his philosophy and falling in step with others he has previously shown, skews toward a more mature customer who, while preferring classic silhouettes, is also not afraid to wear her usual sheer blouse and flared skirt suit in vibrant canary yellow.

Rucci’s strengths lay in the craftsmanship and materials of his designs.  Near the end of the show, one model walked out in a lavish black taffeta ballgown with multicolored underskirts.  She gathered up the hem of the gown as she swished down the runway, showing off the voluminous peach, tan and shocking pink layers of fabric deceptively hidden underneath the plain black skirt.  In a quirkier show of detailing, a pink sheath dress and a green sweater and shorts set were covered with beading and long, wispy feathers that waved airily with each step.

Photo Gallery: Chado Ralph Rucci Spring 2013
all photos by Bibs Teh / Meniscus Magazine