For the third installment of Design by Hand, launched in fall 2013 with the support of Van Cleef and Arpels, Cooper Hewitt welcomes world-renowned fashion designer Ralph Rucci for a public lecture on the role of craftsmanship in contemporary design and a series of related workshops. The hands-on workshops will give participants a glimpse into the development of a collection using fabrics, sketches, and visual inspiration.

Known for his architectural construction, innovative cutting and seaming, and the exquisite hand craftsmanship of his clothing and accessories, Rucci launched his own label in 1994. Throughout his career, Rucci has explored new advances in fabric technology while continuing to incorporate and preserve traditional studio handwork techniques. In 2008, he won Cooper Hewitt’s National Design Award for fashion. That same year, his work was the subject of the exhibition Ralph Rucci: The Art of Weightlessness at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology.

Session 1: Saturday, May 2 | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Family Program: Ralph Rucci-inspired Design: Create a 2D piece inspired by Ralph Rucci’s designs. Be inspired by the architectural sculpting, intricate detailing, and workmanship of Ralph Rucci’s designs. This FREE workshop is for families with children ages 5 – 12. Please Note: This program is at our Harlem Location: Cooper Hewitt Design Center, 111 Central Park North, NY, NY 10026.

Session 2: Saturday, May 2 | 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Family Program: Ralph Rucci-inspired Design: Create a 2D piece inspired by Ralph Rucci’s designs. Be inspired by the architectural sculpting, intricate detailing, and workmanship of Ralph Rucci’s designs. This FREE workshop is for families with children ages 5 – 12. Please Note: This program is at our Harlem Location: Cooper Hewitt Design Center, 111 Central Park North, NY, NY 10026.

About the Design by Hand series:
Launched in fall 2013 with the iconic Finnish brand Marimekko, the Design by Hand series focuses on the craftsmanship, innovations, and merits of contemporary global designers. Special programs connect university students, high school students, adults, and families with design.