A look at the only American designer invited into the elite Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture.
The mainsteam media loves to use “couture” as a word analogous to “very fancy” or “expensive,” but the French take their couture very seriously; only designers that are invited members of the elite Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture may show during the haute couture shows and use the label to describe their clothing, which is defined by exacting handmade details. Ralph Rucci is the only American in 60 years to be invited into the elite society; he’s still an member even though his label Chado Ralph Rucci hasn’t shown at the couture shows for two years. Rucci has quietly shed the “couture” label, but when he describes the fabrics and techniques that he employed for his newest collection, it’s clear that he hasn’t strayed far from couture’s roots. – From WSJ