The FIT museum in New York City, has honored American designer, Ralph Rucci, with a retrospect of his work from the past twenty-five years. The exhibition, titled "Ralph Rucci: The Art of Weightlessness", displays the work of the designer and Rucci's personal collection of art that is the inspiration behind his designs. The museum showcased many of Ralph Rucci's regal 'Infanta' ball gowns, which were inspired by the work of Cristobal Balenciaga. Some of the gowns were suspended, to reveal the haute couture craftsmanship done by Ralph Rucci's New York atelier. Other items highlighted were Rucci's suits, that were made by using a technique called "suspension". Each suit was constructed with pieces of double-faced fabrics that have been mathematically mapped over the body to form a mosaic; The pieces are held together by links of thread called "worms". Ralph Rucci takes inspiration for his collections from ancient art, such as Khmer sculptures, or from contemporary artists he favors, such as Cy Twombly and Francis Bacon. I was captured by a regal black tunic of silk gazar with appliquéd, hand-looped, organza ribbons, and a broad-tail, beaded ball skirt, lent by Rucci's most discreet client, Deeda Blair. Ralph Rucci's intellectual designs reflect the artistry of Haute Couture, complex construction, and cultural influences, which makes his work unique and fascinating. "Ralph Rucci: The Art of Weightlessness", will be on view at the FIT museum from January 12 through April 14, 2007.