Lebanese designer weaves exotic look for seasonal show

PARIS: US designer Ralph Rucci gave a master class in the art of pure silhouettes Thursday with his haute couture collection for next winter, while Lebanon’s Elie Saab opted for glamour and glitz.

On the final day of a frenzied week of autumn-winter 2003-04 couture shows in the French capital, Rucci invited fashion editors and his well-heeled clientele to a Paris art gallery to view his understated, elegant creations.

Using a muted color palette of black, taupe, gray and chocolate brown, the New York-based designer unveiled a collection of elegant suits, impeccably cut sheath dresses that skimmed the body and refined coats in cashmere and sable.