June 1, 2016

Object: Ball Gown

Designer: Ralph Rucci

Medium: Silk, Plastic, Nylon Horsehair

Date: Resort 2006

Country: USA

Credit: Gift of Mrs. William McCormick Blair

This gown by Philadelphia-born designer Ralph Rucci is the penultimate expression of the art of fashion design. The ball gown, with its grand layered skirt, is a traditional form and has been crafted utilizing the sumptuous materials and impeccable techniques of couture. It has been embellished with scattered paillettes and hand-torn appliqué inspired by the work of Louise Nevelson.