Introducing Ralph Rucci is a daunting task, because, frankly, he’s the best thing around.

Decades ago, when the couturier Cristóbal Balenciaga was asked by a reporter if there were anyone good state-side, he replied “There’s only Charlie James!”. He meant Charles James, the fashion maestro. Today, if you were to ask any Paris couturiers who’s good state-side, they would reply “There’s only Ralph Rucci!”.

In American fashion, he’s risen to become its godfather….both revered and envied for his masterful creations, which are skilled and nuanced on such levels that it becomes an honor to actually see them in person. Owning one is an epiphany for many!!!

His strong Anglo-Saxon designs have a recurring Asian sensibility that keeps the lines clean, yet allows volume to play with their minimal proportions. He creates seemingly clean forms that surprisingly complement the wearers’ movements. Think extreme luxury veiled with a discrete Patrician presence. That comes with experience! Who would translate practical silhouettes like the parka and make them ultra-luxurious? One version: rubberized high-tech fabric married to sable! And there are others!

When we asked him what gets him going we weren’t surprised to hear about his love of chocolate and Venice in the winter. Talent, taste, and personality need not be boring. What surprised us was his keen interest in high-tech textiles, NASA, and his wish to design a completely different type of suit.

But then again, why shouldn’t we expect this from a true creative genius?  To find out more about what makes Ralph Rucci tick, check out his Q&A in our Insider Scoop section.  And see highlights of his Fall 2011 collection on Hulu.