Chado Ralph Rucci

Chado Ralph Rucci is a high-end clothing line designed by Ralph Rucci, the first American fashion designer to receive an invitation to the Paris Haute couture show. The name of the collection comes from chado the Japanese tea ceremony noted for its attention to detail, exactitude, sense of austere style, and intensive expertise in all aspects of the ceremony on the part of the practitioner. Mr Rucci intends to design clothing in accordance with these principles.

The Line

Clothing designs are often very simple-looking but closer inspection reveals exquisite stitching, precise draping and a "post-modern" style that references designers as far back as Coco Chanel. CRR is known for use of very high-end fabrics, the work of the so-called Métiers d'art (artisanal masters), and print-work that references the up-and-coming artists. Mr Rucci is said to be influenced primarily by contemporary oil painting in this respect.

The Runway Show

Appearing at New York Fashion Week, Mr Rucci has had the honor of presenting last from 2002 to 2006. His shows often feature minimalist native-instrument music; Thomas Newman creations are often interleaved with tracks created specifically for the show.

The Clientele

Chado Ralph Rucci clients are often wealthy women of a certain age who prefer to purchase one-of-a-kind clothing that flatters less ideal body types. In this respect Chado Ralph Rucci is similar to Oscar de la Renta who is considered a "pleaser".