Every now and then I find something a little newer that is too good to resist.  That is the case with this great wool and leather day dress from Chado, Ralph Rucci.

Well known for his architectural shapes, his clothes are very sophisticated in a quite and elegant way. They are made form luxurious fabrics in a soft neutral color palette. The sculptural quality of his clothing is marked by his attention to detail. It is no wonder that his loyal fans are as far ranging as Iris Apfel and Martha Stewart.

In 2002 Rucci was the first American since Mainbocher to be invited to show Haute Couture by the Paris Chambre Syndicale. The Philadelphia Museum of Art, Kent State Museum and the Phoenix Art Museum have all held exhibitions of his work. These are the pieces to collect and wear now.

This soft muted green dress typifies the Chado style. Long and lean with spare decorative touches, the dress is quite striking. There is a soft caramel colored leather collar, separate from the dress, worn almost like a necklace. This matches the narrow leather band forming a triangle on the front of the dress. This design element is repeated on the back of the dress, with a solid piece of leather forming the top of the triangle. An invisible zipper angles down from the left side of this leather panel. The sleeves have a narrow inset band of leather running from the shoulder to the wrist. The dress is fully lined in matching silk and it is in excellent condition.

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