Ralph Rucci

"It is rare to find a fashion designer who is also a sculptor and a decorator, but Rucci has these skills, using ivory satin or black velvet to make jackets that stand away from the body, which remind of classic Balenciaga. He loves the stately presence of sweeping stoles and cloaks and vast quantities of fabric in his evening gowns. Sculptural, architectural and clean. Hammered-satin suits, short, laser-cut jackets, narrow pants with sixties-style tunics, slouchy fur tops."