American couturier Ralph Rucci won’t put on on runway show this upcoming fashion week. Instead, he’s taking private appointments for editors and buyers.

Rucci’s reasoning has to do with the extended medical leave of his president, Vivian Van Natta. He’ll save about $500,000 by meeting with interested parties one-on-one.

We hope other designers will follow suit. While nothing beats the runway when it comes to creating excitement and buzz around a brand, less-outlandish designers benefit from showing off the high quality of their clothes up-close. Rucci’s pieces are nearly couture-level, and those who want to buy a piece–or ten–will be able to easily examine the items without the hassle of a big production.

Designer Lyn Devon–who much like Rucci, boasts a sizable made-to-order business–has been using this approach for years.

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