Dear Shaded Viewers,
Ralph Rucci was honored with the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 CFDA Fashion Awards in New York City, recognizing his decades-long impact on American fashion and exceptional commitment to craftsmanship and artistry. Presented by Thom Browne, the accolade celebrates Rucci’s stature as one of America’s foremost couturiers, whose work bridges the realms of ready-to-wear and haute couture with unrivaled meticulousness.
The Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award is a prestigious honor from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), celebrating designers for enduring excellence and contributions to American fashion. Rucci is noted for being the first American couturier to receive it, cementing his legacy within the industry.
Rucci began his fashion journey after studying at Temple University and launched a career in New York, later becoming the second American designer invited to show at Paris Haute Couture week in 2002. His award-winning work is renowned for architectural silhouettes, luxurious fabrics, and innovative techniques, admired by clients such as Martha Stewart, Laura Bush, and Michelle Obama. Even after setbacks—including losing rights to his name and catalog in 2014—Rucci revived his creative force with a new brand, RR331, furthering his influence in the field.
During the award ceremony, Thom Browne lauded Rucci’s peerless individuality, uncompromising vision, and generational contributions to American fashion. Rucci reflected on the milestone, expressing gratitude and humility, stating that this recognition allowed him to meditate on his career and the importance of integrity and artistry in fashion.
Rucci’s receipt of the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award affirms his status as a defining figure in fashion, whose work continues to inspire through a quiet sophistication and unwavering devotion to craft.
Later,
Diane
