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Ralph Rucci Ralph Rucci Ralph Rucci Ralph Rucci
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In 2008 i decided to attempt a work that would hop In 2008 i decided to attempt a work that would hopefully stimulate, release, inspire, and allow my self and my mind and being to ascend. I had been painting for years, but i needed to achieve a full release of mental, physical, sexual, and spiritual communication with the process. So, at that time i had a mammoth office in Soho. The all mirrored showroom it self was 3000 sq. ft. with 25 ft ceilings. I placed 11 linen canvases in the showroom one night— each in a long line that the work could be read— from right to left, yes— correct. Each canvas was 11ft high by 7 ft wide… picture it— huge. I NEEDED TO BECOME THE BRUSH— i needed to BE the paint. I needed to become ONE with the work. Thus, i took all of my clothes off, except for a pair of white underwear, I covered my self in black acrylic paint and took the dive. I moved, I danced, I became one with the work. As in a fashion collection, i am the work, and the work is me. My identity has no outside definition outside of the passage of the collection—— now, the same with painting, but only incredibly more physical and spiritual. I had a friend with me to record photographs of the event, and when i was finished I was exhausted from the release… frankie goes to hollywood. The experience is still within me…. will I do it again? I do not think so because it took double digit hours to remove all of the dried paint from my body. The work is still with me, it almost left a few years ago to Rome to be installed in the Nando and Elsa Peretti Foundation offices, but then Elsa left this plane, and it is locked in storage. I would like the great Peter Marino to see it.
Consigliere Number 2…. Her main advice has alway Consigliere Number 2…. Her main advice has always been….. “ Always remove the source of irritation.”
i am proud to accept age with health, exercise and i am proud to accept age with health, exercise and o’keeffe and peretti dignity.
There are very few people who come into your life There are very few people who come into your life who facilitate an higher understanding to the path that you are on concerning the individuals that you will be confronting. My Angel friend and very close confidant Casey Ribocoff was one of them. She met me once monthly for dinner…. Post House, La Grenouille, 21 ( which i hated because i felt so out of place in Republican make swagger….. even the waiters who were tipped as Goldman Sachs interns sent you a flash of gay male dismissal…… but Casey was not only a grand dame lady with elegance and grace, but also the most chic and powerful fag hag in the city….. not like Mrs. Kempner, who collected the limp, but Casey’s Thanksgiving Day Lunch was a power house of the gay men who made New York MOVE. From the caviar with all of the accompanying treats, to the delicious Bill Blass meatloaf and delicious crown roast of lamb from Lobel’s…,floating over the East River in her Sutton Place apartment. But I loved Casey and miss her voice, wisdom, and the intensely elegant times of dressing her. God Bless You Casey for holding my hand throughout the period of the people that you warned me not to become involved with because they were not pure breeds. I wish that i would have listened. x. r.
F E R R E….. THE TOUCHSTONE MISSING. F E R R E….. THE TOUCHSTONE MISSING.
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S / S 2022 Haute Couture…. ivory silk peau d’a S / S 2022 Haute Couture…. ivory silk peau d’aong tunic and and pant all over embroidered with shades of coral and pink French Knots.
always clarity of line, of proportion, perfection always clarity of line, of proportion, perfection of make. Chris Royer in brown bias chiffon and Lisa Taylor in violet matte jersey with Peretti gold mesh obi belt. From 1975…. dating all today. H.
in pauline’s bedroom at Mouton, a magnificent vi in pauline’s bedroom at Mouton, a magnificent vista of a unique mind, she use a tea pot in thatched - bamboo sterling as a PAPER WEIGHT. This is exactly what i aspire to….have the vision and acting with such a reduction of balance… as always, a concordia et discord… my life’s mantra…. harmony out of order.
Throughout life we develop a self within our self Throughout life we develop a self within our self that demands standards and pushes us forward to give a hard birth to what we must find. There is no turning, our inner self knows when something is not up to the standard…. you cannot compromise or “pretend” that it— the creation is a solution. So—- you push. Breathe, let it flow and suddenly you receive the higher communication, and the “complete” emotion between the two selves is what allows higher consciousness to be captured— that instant if balanced discovery is what i have always lived for. Here take for example a double faced crepe jacket with angled refractions in black tulle. Beguiling and a bit surprising, yet very sensual. Notice the dimensional work that can be achieved when pushed. Toile by the great CVA, artwork by the great Larisa Ryzhova…
I love all sources and veins of eccentricity. Here I love all sources and veins of eccentricity. Here Elsa is seen lighting very l o n g tapers before a dinner at Sant Marti Vel. Of course the table is set with a full astonishment of the Peretti aesthetic. But, the point of the story is that before the great, original visionary make up artist, Pablo Mazzioni passed away he gave me these very long tapers that he would smuggle out of the Vatican for Elsa…. he had a direct connection from within. That is wonderful…… But, imagine the Vatican having its own in-house couture candle atelier! This is chic, as most hidden facts are concerning the Vatican.
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in 2004 i made a series of mammoth paintings in te in 2004 i made a series of mammoth paintings in textured black acrylic, allowed ng the paint to swim forth and i would follow it as an assistant, not a guide. this act—- on my part allowed be to experience the freedom of being a singular part of creation, participating but only slightly controlling. after i achieved the level of density that i felt complete with and experienced a physical and psychological bond to…. i let go. what i allowed, perhaps as a clear exit was an area of white—- ILLUMINATION. i then took a piece of black Colombo double faced cashmere— 5 1/2”X 2 1/4” and double faced the edges. i sewed - and pressed this tiny monolith. i then took black twine and sewed it into the center of the cashmere side ways monolith and Hammered with a nail…. in utter defiance…. to the sides of the wooden frame and then allowed the twine to fall and be knotted in a primal, sensual, religious, blair witch reconciliation….. which often happens in my clothes. I leave the process exhausted but complete and emerged on another level. I am always hopeful that this is our collective experience and participation in the aesthetic process. lastly, when i was making this large series in 2004…. which would snap whip me into the future, it was Tatiana and Serge Sorokko who demanded that i show , and gave me my first one man show in 2004. Thank you…. and love you T & S!
Monsieur Bohan was a poet….. his words were equa Monsieur Bohan was a poet….. his words were equal to his enormous vocabulary of the history of make, technique, and finish of haute couture. He was the longest existing couturier at Dior, and gave the house great distinction through his feminine, yet quite strong collections. Everyone dressed with Bohan, because he never inflicted, his clothes reflected. The previous transitions from Dior to Saint Laurent were disturbing, but the quiet nature of Bohan allowed the house to morph into an institution. He worked tirelessly for decades, and then those controlling the money disposed of him the way Saint Laurent was disposed. He elegantly left….. then the Earthquake….. a new cultural and intellectual sensation —-as if you needed a hand book for the great Gianfranco Ferre. We were all amazed and in awe with his spellbinding couture campfires of extreme imagination. Then, like before, the money dismissed Monsieur Ferre and replaced him with the tumultuous tsunami known as John Galliano, who replaced Ferre’s rigor with the utmost Romantic vision combined with the technical artistry of simply being a wizard. Soon, they would set him up so that they could dismiss him. Now they bring in the equivalent of The Prime of Miss Jean Brody meets Little House on the Prairie, and couture is no longer seductive in method or being desired… two main components that every garment—- no matter the cost— must have. Like most incongruities in life, he, Marc Bohan, will be the couturier to be The Dior Template…. not known by so many, but revered by the minority with sartorial knowledge. Rest in abundant peace, Monsieur.
Major, true meaning in life—-any pasta at Giacom Major, true meaning in life—-any pasta at Giacomo in Milan once designed by the great Mongiardino, and then refreshed by friends Laura and Roberto at Studio Peregalli. Run! don’t walk and hop a plan to Milan. I Have dined there twice daily for five days…Fantastic.
Once again, we need a Kirsten Owen moment…. my f Once again, we need a Kirsten Owen moment…. my favorite model to work with in my career, and Jade Parfitt, Erin O’Conner, Alec Wek, Katchia, and Annastasia.
One season while I was fitting a collection I had One season while I was fitting a collection I had to have a procedure on my eyes. I wore prescription sunglasses for a few weeks to comfort the irritation. I discovered how great and why it is to have your eyes hidden…. you could study anyone and anything, and not be caught.
Euginia Voladina, Spring 2003 Haute Couture, The R Euginia Voladina, Spring 2003 Haute Couture, The Romanian Embassy, Paris. White Gandini Double Faced Wool / Silk Jacket with a “Loop Back” curling upward from the hem to the top of the back yoke. This technique was used to give a “fluid” twist on a Geshia’s Obi. We made coats, dresses, and gowns using this very feminine movement. In a manner, the backs on long garments became sails that moved the girls forward.
simply astonishing perfection. simply astonishing perfection.
If you ever feel disgruntled about non-achievement If you ever feel disgruntled about non-achievement, don’t. Be proud and happy as you move through this plain, and send a prayer to this extraordinary couple that had to leave much too quickly. I suggest, for selfish reasons…. imagine our lives with them now…. guide different.
His GENIUS will never leave this plain. Yes, he wa His GENIUS will never leave this plain. Yes, he was a stranger amongst us, possibly from another galaxy. How? then could he have created the planet paintings from different perspectives? Because he saw them—- either through space travel or astral projection. I have seen two homes that his architectural vision created for a couple— one home in New York, and one home in Paris. Again his work was more about time travel, not replicating, but recreating through reduction and certain punctuation marks to distinguish your experience. Rest in Peace great Thierry Despont, and if you are here for a bit before transitioning, please visit me in my mind.
This is a creation of utter perfection. The Joseph This is a creation of utter perfection. The Joseph Beuys Birkin Bag….. it is not called this, but i am . Matte alligator and felted gray flannel. It leaves me somewhat speechless.
The crème of couture rises to the top….. love t The crème of couture rises to the top….. love this tale. After His Highness, The Duke of Windsor passed away, the first call that the Duchess of Windsor, Wallis Simpson, made was to Hubert de Givenchy, to ask that something “correct” and “seriously strong” be made because all eyes would be studying her, all over the world….. but the most intense under glass magnification would be from Her Majesty, The Queen and the royal family. Remember this is The Duchess’s first visit back to Britain since the King abdicated his throne for her…. for her…. fascinating. So within twenty four hours the Givenchy Atelier produced a Black Wool Bombazine dress and coat…. Givenchy, but with a severe Balenciaga twist. The Coat’s bearing made forceful with a curved, rounded, elliptical mounted collar framing the face, a sleeve mounted with utterly invisible perfection. The “make” is only one small aspect, whereas the pressing bring the dress and coat to life. Thus, Wallis Simpson—- The Duchess of Windsor, shrouded in an Infanta, deep hemmed organza, mourning veil took the world by storm. For a moment, it was as if the realization was awakened that she— indeed—- could have been The Queen of England.
I must tell you something i read here on someone’s page. Please excuse me, as i did not write it down, or write your name down…. i just remembered it. Please do not feel that i am stealing it from you, and if you come forth, i will gladly mention you. So….. Halston in his usual uniform of black silk and cashmere turtleneck, and black barathea pants, and Bordeaux leather shoes went to a cocktail at Sister Parish’s home. Sister was the clean, waspy, correct decorator for most of the upper east side and Connecticut and the hamptons. When Halston was milling Sister asked him why he always dressed like this. To which the King replied: “Sister, I always try to think how Babe Paley would dress if she were a man.” Smoke that for intellectual non binary.
do you want to snap through reality? perhaps enter do you want to snap through reality? perhaps enter another dimension of self and mind? run, don’t walk to acquire this incredible artifact of sculpture. how “ life enhancing” ( as Mrs. V) would say, to see these on the street — by day. i simply want one, to place inside my fireplace. i think, finally, Chanel would be very happy!
BABY JANE HOLZER……I would sit at a Halston Mad BABY JANE HOLZER……I would sit at a Halston Made to Order show in awe….. the beauty, the Cleopatra— Tina Chow of her magnificent presence. Usually she would order a caravan of knitted cashmere separates….. But, this is about Hair—— GARGANTUAN HAIR, as Vreeland would “release”…. the command of Bigger! But this post is in honor to all of the stylists that I Worship, Have Worked with, and left Speechless from….. Laurent Phillippon, Oribe, Jimmy Paul, Paul Podlucky, Garren, Ari Gallant, Serge Normant, Bill King, Vidal Sassoon, Sally Herschberger, Odile, K E N N E T H.
for me, the most peaceful and distinct piece of fu for me, the most peaceful and distinct piece of functional sculpture, the Cartier Bagnoire designed in 1944. Imagine the war was just coming to an end, and Paris was in dire straits, and Louis Cartier has the quietude to find this design between his hand and his mind. You see, you are always able to bring forth.
Ladies and Gentlemen, an International Living Trea Ladies and Gentlemen, an International Living Treasure, Mr. Ricky Quesada. Amongst his talents, genius, EYE, this man gave The Peretti a botanical of a Lima Bean, perhaps in 1972, and what a history started! x r
When i was a young man in the early 70’s startin When i was a young man in the early 70’s starting out in New York, Madame Gres and Cristobal Balenciaga were my role and style models. Even though it was exciting in NewYork, and i lived a large live, I also entered the seminary, almost like a young priest with my devotion and commitment to the metier. Late into the night i would prepare toile… long yardage of it all on the bias so that i could drape and mold with constant bias yardage. Precision was my hypnosis. I designed, as if i had a business and as if i had clients. I took the toiles and sewed or basted them together, and made their corresponding paper patterns. I was fascinated and so overjoyed that my discoveries in pattern realization looked like Morherwell’s Eligies to the Spanish Republic, other patterns looked like Klein, Tapies, Gottlieb, Rothko, Peretti. I had three major focuses: 1.) The draped jersey and fluted jersey sculpture, and would become elated when designs took shape. I would cut out miles and miles of 3/4 - 1” strips of jersey and fold them in half—- never pressing, just folding so that i could curve and mold the strips one on top of another to the foundation that i had previously made. The foundation was usually in silk taffeta with bones and lambs wool. One by one…. hours and hours, days…. but with each section, i felt more of a communion to my craft and to a higher source. 2.) The creation of cloud -like shapes bursting from slim tubes, or bursting asymmetrically from the body—- All because of the wonder of Silk Paper Taffeta interlined in super silk organza. Here i explored odd experiments and allowed my hands and mind to think in the same manner as when i paint. 3.) Balenciaga…. Exploration of the Tortoise, The Infanta, The Explosion of Boullone, the secrets held in black, chestnut brown, and salmon. Today, more than ever I am still existing in this rewarding church. I forgot to tell you, but perhaps i have in another posting. One season when Mme. Gres came to the Pierre for a black tie fashion show benefiting The Musician’s Emergency Fund,I dressed a model for the show…. hid and made my way in. The next day i was able to have the….. to take an interview with the Divine Gres…
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