CHES
| Francesco "Ches"
DiRusso, respected Boston fashion designer died October 2 at his home. He was 50. Born in East Cambridge, MA., Ches began his career as a fashion designer in Boston in 1974. He worked his way up to designer at Star Costumes and Miller Furs before branching out on his own. Designing under the "Ches Couture" label, Ches developed a reputation as a women’s and menswear designer with impeccable taste and attention to detail. In 1998, Ches presented a 25 year retrospective gallery showing of his work at his alma mater, The School of Fashion Design on Newbury Street. In 2000, Ches was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Boston Fashion Week Vision Council. He was a strong supporter of the local fashion industry and contributed generously of his time and talents to many charitable organizations. He died due to complications from Aids after a courageous 14 year battle. He will be dearly missed by friends and family. In lieu of a funeral, his life and work will be celebrated at a MEMORIAL
SERVICE: November 1, 2002 at 7PM |
| Ches
DiRusso's reputation as a fashion designer of impeccable taste and
talent is well known. He proved himself over and over whether he
was turning out beautifully crafted men's suits and overcoats or
timeless evening for women. He could be a tyrant when it came to
producing his fashion shows, but it was an accepted part of his
personality, he was after all, trying to choreograph perfection. Ches' dedication to his art and the Boston fashion community was unwavering. Throughout the 14 years that Ches was battling illness on top of illness, he never stopped designing and showing. His show during last years fashionWEEK happened despite the fact that he had just undergone cancer treatment, for the third time! Even the years when he admitted defeat and was too weak to produce a show, he would insist on designing something new for me to wear. It was important to him that he maintain a presence during fashionWEEK by whatever means he could. I was fortunate to have found in Ches, not only a creative partner, but also a loyal friend. Ches became my own personal cheerleader and support system. He helped me to become a better photographer and also a better human being. His courage and determination were awe inspiring. Knowing Ches helped me to keep a healthy perspective on life. Please join me in remembering Ches DiRusso as we have in dedicating fashionWEEK 2002 to him. -Tracy Aiguier 2002 |