Couture Club

The couture shows are on the way, starting on 6 July and everyone in the fashion world is talking about them.

Versace and Emanuel Ungaro are sticking to their guns by avoiding a full-blown, expensive couture collection. Giorgio Armani, however, is planning a second luxurious Privé collection. Meanwhile, the only American couturier, Ralph Rucci, has decided to forgo the couture activities and plans to show his new designs at his new Broadway showroom, while simultaneously showing his spring/summer 2006 ready-to-wear collection in September. "He thought it would be beautiful to do a show and welcome people to the new showroom," a spokeswoman told WWD, and added: "He intends to go back to Paris."