Attending the Ralph Rucci Fall 2010 Fashion Show
I really love the world of fashion and I am an especially big fan of Ralph Rucci. I've always been drawn to the sculptural look of his designs, the innovative use of the fabrics he chooses, and the minute precision and intricate handiwork that he employs in executing his creations. The last Ralph Rucci fashion show I attended was held last September beneath the huge tent at Bryant Park in Manhattan, with more than 1,000 people in attendance. This time, to introduce his new Fall 2010 collection, Rucci chose the much more intimate setting of his own atelier in the Soho section of the city. With room for just 220 guests, it was thrilling to see his fabulous designs up close, sitting just a few feet from the runway. Please enjoy my photos from the event.
1 The Ralph Rucci fashion show is always an event I look forward to. This year Ralph held his show in his atelier, or studio, right on lower Broadway. White vinyl covered the floor and seats were arranged facing two long runways.
2 The show took place right on the second day of New York City's big blizzard of 2010 - a big dud in my mind, but everyone had boots on, and everyone was dressed in black except.........
3 for me! I wore one of Ralph's fabulous silk blouses, narrow trousers, a bright apple green double faced wool jacket, and Yves Saint Laurent seven-inch high shoes in chartreuse suede and gold.
4 Here's a better view of my shoes and stockingless feet.
5 The roster of fashion photographers - they had a lot to capture at this show.
6 Front and center - Bill Cunningham - New York Times celebrity photographer standing in blue sweater
7 Valerie Simpson of Ashford and Simpson, Andre Leon Talley editor-at-large for Vogue magazine wearing a fabulous Ralph Rucci caftan, Whoopi Goldberg, and Fran Lebowitz
8 Andre is really concentrating on Ms. Simpson's conversation.
9 Nickolas Ashford sitting next to Deeda Blair, a big Rucci fan
10 The show began with a see thru complex collage chiffon top and satiny cashmere trousers.
11 The back was fabulous.
12 Lots of fur worked in very unique ways - this is black knitted mink and fox.
13 I loved the boots!
14 A black and taupe wool jersey dress
15 A 'scarred' raincoat
16 A wool jersey and taffeta dress - so shapely
17 A big favorite - bronze wool crepe Dalai Lama coat and pants
18 A chestnut silk moire coat and pants - this I really want
19 An olive wool jersey and taffeta dress
20 The back says it all.
21 A charcoal moire jacket
22 An elegant beige wool and taffeta dress
23 Again, the back tells the story - no one can work fabric and stitch like Ralph Rucci.
24 A rain bleached trench coat
25 Black leather worked beautifully
26 An elegant coat of black moire and cashmere
27 A white cashmere jacket and black leather jeans
28 Extraordinary diagonals
29 A black bonded leather coat and suit - this looked very wearable.
30 An ivory cashmere suit with slices of chartreuse and black
31 Pink with slices of black
32 A black sable and broadtail coat
33 A suit fabricated from black broadtail
34 Amethyst slices brighten this black cashmere suit.
35 A violet wool crepe trapeze dress
36 More violet - this time a jacket with complicated cutouts
37 Black broadtail and horsehair combined as a dress
38 A braided open jacket over a wool crepe and tulle dress
39 Spiral sable and horsehair - again, an entirely new technique
40 A bronze samurai dress - I loved this!
41 A black dress adorned with mohair and feathers down the back.
42 A tiered dress of chiffon
43 A multi-layered horsehair dress
44 A feather 'cage' over a pink tube
45 A vanilla bean knotted silk chiffon dress - so complicated!
46 A knotted 'sweatshirt' over a flannel skirt
47 A matte black sequin siren gown - lots of applause for this one!
48 A black velvet and rice paper calligraphy top
49 A pink paillette tube with a 'cage' of feathers
50 A black broadtail, silk crepe, and velvet gown
51 A black moire gown
52 A great look
53 A closeup of the model hairdo
54 Everyone burst into smiles and clapped wildly at the end of this gorgeous show - definitely one of Ralph's best to date!
55 A glimpse of the designer
56 He stayed on the runway for about thirty seconds.
WOW! Great set of photos, Martha. You gave us all a front-row seat! The simple lines, the detailing and the sculptural forms are really wonderful.
Posted by: MMC in San Diego | February 16th, 2010 at 12:07 am
I love you! No practical reason for open-toed heels but you do it anyway. Add one more reason to the list of "Why I Want To Be Martha Stewart When I Grow Up"
Posted by: La | February 16th, 2010 at 12:26 am
Good for you, Martha, wearing that fabulous outfit. You looked beautiful in apple green. The lady on your right, however, looked like she was wearing Wellies. Thanks for these photos. It was almost like being there!
Posted by: Penny | February 16th, 2010 at 1:11 am
Good morning Martha,
The color you wore is so beautiful, it suits you well, I love those shoes. Ralph Rucci is an amazing designer, his fall collection is so beautiful.
Wish you a great week.
Rowaida
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | February 16th, 2010 at 1:33 am
Some wonderful and amazing pieces in the collection! Loved the use of taffeta, too. Martha...you looked great and your shoes were incredible! Now...hmmm...which pieces are you buying?
Posted by: sherey | February 16th, 2010 at 1:37 am
I love your big smile in the mirror! It is contagious
And those shoes, amazing!
Posted by: Wendy (Give Love Create Happiness) | February 16th, 2010 at 1:53 am
I so enjoy your blog. You look "adorable" in that apple green jacket (photo 3) sitting in the middle with everyone else in dark colors . . too sweet! Been a fan of yours for many years. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Sandy Jacobson | February 16th, 2010 at 2:35 am
Stunning attire! Thank you for taking us there! Maria
Posted by: Maria Bartelot | February 16th, 2010 at 3:25 am
What wonderful designs. Clothes you can actually wear not like some of the fashion shows! Susie
Posted by: Susie Parr | February 16th, 2010 at 4:45 am
thank you Martha.Simply irresistible.I´d never heard about him,actually most of american designers are completely unfamiliar in Europe.
I´ll show your photos everybody¡¡
Posted by: maria jose | February 16th, 2010 at 5:41 am
These clothes are 12-car-pileup gorgeous! Thank you for sharing them. I'm not familiar with this designer's name.
Thank you too for spotlighting Bill Cunningham. I always look forward to Saturdays when Bill Cunningham's enthusiasm, incredible eye for detail, and knowledgeable expertise of many years of fashion all come pouring out in his "On The Street" weekly video in the New York Times. What a gorgeous soul he seems to have!
It looks like you certainly could float above the snow in those shoes!
Posted by: Karen | February 16th, 2010 at 7:31 am
Wow! This is some really fantastic stuff!! Little did I know that I was in New York for fashion week myself!! On My way to see you today!! Ralph Rucci is defintely timeless and classy! The boot's were great! Thanks for inside peek Martha! You loked great too! thanks agian. http://www.meandmartha.net
Dan Viger
Posted by: Daniel Viger | February 16th, 2010 at 7:50 am
Martha, you are ageless. Looking quite lovely and beautiful, reflected in that mirror. A standout by far in that room of standouts. The only women who might have given you competition were the models. Can you tell I'm a fan? The TV show that showcased Ted Turner's ranch should win an emmy. The beauty of the land so expertly filmed, the information on what he's trying to accomplish, and the entertainment value....top notch. This is the best blog. Attention to detail, as in everything you do, leaving the reader with no unanswered questions. Continued best success in life and in your company.
Posted by: TommyBoy | February 16th, 2010 at 8:45 am
Martha:
You looked fabulous. I love your apple green blouse and your stunning high heels. Tell me, was everyone else going to a funeral???!!! When I go to a wake/funeral that's what the crowd usually looks like. You dressed most appropriate and looked gorgeous.
Linda
Phila., PA
Posted by: Linda | February 16th, 2010 at 10:02 am
Thanks you for taking us along. Exciting!
Posted by: ryepye | February 16th, 2010 at 10:22 am
Super WOW. .You did it again making the difference!! Your outfit was absolutely gorgeous and definitely made a statement. Everyone else looking so dowdy and you looking gorgeous and yes younger every day!
I was not familiar with Ralph Rucci designs and I thank you for sharing . .
I admire Mr.Rucci for not taking part in the "assembly" of designers, though I also have enjoyed the Bryant Park "expo".
Bravo for Mr. Rucci for stepping out of the comfort zone!
Thanks again . your friend . .nina
Posted by: nina zeumer | February 16th, 2010 at 10:39 am
Hi Martha, thank you for posting those pictures of Ralph Rucci fall designs. All clothes are very lovely and not overly done. My favorite is the black bonded leather coat and suit. I would love to own that. I never heard of him but he definitely will be recognized of his tasteful design.
I love your outfit. You standout quite well from the crowd. You have a brave soul to wear those shoes during the blizzard of 2010! Mag-ingat.
Posted by: Hilda | February 16th, 2010 at 10:53 am
Love your blog and the photos! Thanks for sharing your life with us little guys!
Posted by: Patty Young | February 16th, 2010 at 11:21 am
Blizzards come and go in Dakota but fashion ever makes it's mark . Absolutely great to post these pics from last fall cause I am old and slow (even if younger than Martha) and will keep an eye out for these at tag sales at much reduced price. Also your show today showing us dogs showing at Westminster
had good tips for winter fashions in shoes for our pets in cold and snow..
Posted by: ann | February 16th, 2010 at 12:06 pm
Lovely shoes, Martha! I guess a horsehair dress is not really all that weird, but it kinda seems weird! It was pretty though!
Posted by: Alyzabeth | February 16th, 2010 at 12:14 pm
Hi Martha,
I don't know much about fashion as I've told you before but I remember loving Ralph Rucci's designs when he was on the show back in '08. You had worn a fabulous black jacket designed by him to fashion week that year and when he came to the show, you wore another design in goldish green or greenish gold. I have never been able to figure out that color but it looked great on you and I especially liked the scarf that looked attached and you just needed to drape it around your neck.
~
This show was equally beautiful, and I think you would look fantastic in that silk moiré coat and pants. I like the rain bleached trench coat too, (clever name). It looks like the woman in glasses in picture #3 is checking you out and wondering why she didn’t think to wear a pretty apple green jacket! (You have to get up early to come up with Martha’s ideas!) Thanks for a lovely fashion show via your pictures. Trish
Posted by: Trish | February 16th, 2010 at 12:15 pm
Love the color you wore....I think it looks great on us blondes....
What a fun show !!!
Speaking of shows loved yours today....and I wanted to mention that we bloggers like giveaways too not just the Twitterers....lol
All the best,
Kathy
...hope you had a nice Valentine's
Posted by: Kathy :) | February 16th, 2010 at 12:17 pm
Fabulous images, Martha. You really stood out in the room. Feels like a much needed glimpse of spring. Ralph Rucci's style is very fresh. I love how intricate his designs were. Thanks for sharing these.
Posted by: newfoundjoye | February 16th, 2010 at 12:47 pm
Thank you Martha for your super photos and making me a "Ralph Rucci FAN"! His style is elegant and timeless, just love it.
Speaking of the show...You looked happy and fabulous with your vibrant blouse & chic shoes!!
Warm wishes,
Judit
Posted by: Judit & Corina | February 16th, 2010 at 12:50 pm
Fantastic photos. Love your show and the natural way you have with people. Also like that you look out for your employees. Listening to your show today I do not see you as a "bad boyfriend" job.You and your show are fantastic.
Posted by: Lynn Edick | February 16th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
Just to let everyone know that MSO has an 0.99 iPhone app for Martha's Everyday Food.
I hope that the Martha Stewart Show will be available in Canada next year when they switch from syndication.
Posted by: Joe | February 16th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
Wooo Martha. You are a ray of sunshine in a sea of drab. I really liked the tan blouse with the pleats in the back!
Posted by: NeatNicole from Illinois | February 16th, 2010 at 1:46 pm
Interesting fabrics. Just wonder how the horse hair & sable is made.
Posted by: Margie | February 16th, 2010 at 1:57 pm
Thank you so much for taking the time to share the show with us! You truly are so very kind to give so much of yourself to others.
Posted by: Sheri | February 16th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
Thanks for sharing your photos from such a brilliant show. Your shoes, as always, are to die for. Reading your blog always brings a smile to my face and a bit of inspiration to the day!
Posted by: Elizabeth | February 16th, 2010 at 2:52 pm
Oh Martha you looked wonderful in that photo - and so happy. Truly one to use in press releases and have on your mantlepiece.
Shame about the fur in the designs, but I suppose that it choice to wear it or not. I would be in the 'not' category.
Still you are fabulous!
Posted by: Pru | February 16th, 2010 at 2:56 pm
Martha you looked FABULOUS! As did Kevin of course! These pictures were great, fun to 'share' these outings with you. The details on some of those dresses. I loved the horse hair!
Posted by: Ramona Barrry | February 16th, 2010 at 3:11 pm
Some of the designs are quite beautiful and I would love to own a few of them. However, the horsehair and fur are quite a disappointment to see and detract significantly from the collection in my opinion.
Posted by: Eileen Carrel | February 16th, 2010 at 7:21 pm
2/16/09
Martha - LOVE the long pink cardigan, black slacks, and black heels you wore today on the show. Very slimming and lovely looking. I love that color in pink. Keep with the color!
Posted by: NC | February 16th, 2010 at 7:44 pm
Martha,
I have to believe that every audience woman at the show, with maybe the exception of adoreable and fabulous Whoopie, had to be thinking, "Now why didn't I think of that," when they saw you in your marvelous outfit! You are always a breath of fresh air Martha.
You always look great, but you looked double fantastic on todays show...what are you doing different???? Even your smile is different???? You look radiant Martha, whatever it is!!!!
You just can't compete with little GK however...he is a true show stealer
Thanks for the terrific fashion show
Posted by: Becky HK | February 16th, 2010 at 8:57 pm
Hi Martha, How fun it was to see another fantastic Fashion Show by Ralph Rucci. I have never seen any before, except through your you wonderful blog and I thank you so much for sharing all of this with us. Your outfit looked superb and you looked great, as usual. Your TV show today was so much fun! Loved seeing Eric and Anthony. What a terrific pair they are! Seeing your doggies and the Westminster doggies was absolutely fabulous. Little G.K. sure was having fun checking out all of the Chow Chows. What a little doll he is. I love seeing F&S, also. We had a beautiful 56 degree day today and now we are getting a wonderful sunset. Thanks for all that you do. Love, Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | February 16th, 2010 at 9:31 pm
Thanks for sharing your front row seat, and a peek at the fantastic world of the very talented Ralph Rucci!
Posted by: Susan | February 16th, 2010 at 10:07 pm
Beautiful show Martha, thanks for sharing. You rock in apple green and those shoes were awesome. Good for you for bucking the trend of black and boots.
Posted by: Susan R. | February 17th, 2010 at 1:28 am
You looked absolutely adorable, Martha, smiling back at your own reflection in the mirrors...we can tell you're having a really good time! Like others have remarked before me on today's posts, your green looks fabulous on you, and yes (from my own experience), it's mainly due to being fair-haired! You definitely stand out in the crowd! It's a good thing, too, that the proverbial blizzard turned out to BE a dud, afterall, as it would've put a major damper on this event otherwise! I'm assuming this took place early last week, as you have been lucky to skirt the two sizable snowfalls that Maryland has received this year.
.
I do have one humorous question, though... I'm a die-hard fan of sandals/having my toes out in the summertime, but don't your tootsietoes get cold being 'out' in the winter? - especially if there's snow on the ground?! Just wonderin', that's all... [giggle]
.
This looked like a marvelous late-winter pick-me-up...it really looked like a lot of fun!
.
=^..^=
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | February 17th, 2010 at 4:32 pm
What a wonderful treat! I love how you gave us the feeling of being on the front row of the runway! Thank you for all you do. A lot of things that you share with us,such as this for example, this, we would never experience. You make my creative juices flow.
Posted by: Mitzi Moody | February 17th, 2010 at 9:36 pm
Great fun photos and loved your outfit with those sexy sandals.
Ralph Rucci is a master of design! He reminds me so much of the famous Charles James fashion designer.
I feel like I had a front row seat just like at last year's Rucci event.
Thank you so much for allowing a country bumpkin to go on another trip with you!
Stay warm and healthy!
Gloria
Posted by: Gloria Brown, Winterport, ME | February 18th, 2010 at 6:51 pm
Martha--Love you dearly. You looked gorgeous that night--question--do you still not wear real fur? I love fashion--and do not wear fur but feel guilty for wanting fur rug to go under a grand piano in my living room. Where do you stand on it currently, and how did you come to that conclusion? Do you feel guilty for supporting artists/designers who use fur? Last, but not least, is kevin single? smile. Stay well and keep up the good work.
Posted by: cal | February 19th, 2010 at 12:49 am
thankyou for sharing an exciting event, I wonder how you keep up the pace land look a million dollars amongst all that black you appeared to be the only live human in the place.
Chez from Oz
Posted by: Chez from Oz | February 21st, 2010 at 1:48 am
LOVE EVERYTHING in the show!! And your shoes...TO DIE!!! Thanks for a peek at a truly gifted and inspiring designer!!!
xoxo
Posted by: Jeanine Albano | February 22nd, 2010 at 6:52 pm