Rodarte

Summary

American brand of apparel and accessories, Rodarte, was launched in 2005 in Los Angeles by sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy. The romantic, creative and conceptual design aesthetic and their artistic mixture of couture, modern femininity and California influences caught the discerning eye of every fashion editor.

History

The Mulleavy sisters began designing in their parents’ kitchen in Pasadena California. They had no formal training in fashion design and just gave wings to their passion after leaving college to return home in 2002… and created a capsule collection using their savings. The label ‘Rodarte’ is the original Spanish pronunciation and spelling of their mother’s maiden name, Rodart. Following their capsule collection of seven dresses and two coats, the sisters traveled to New York City and in no time graced the cover of Women’s Wear Daily. This led to a meeting with Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour who flew to Los Angeles to meet the sisters.

The Mulleavys were on a roll. With an eye for dramatic creations that blurs the line between fashion and art.. the duo created costumes for Oscar Academy Award-winning film Black Swan for which the 16th Annual Broadcast Film Critics Awards nominated Kate and Laura for the ballet costumes. In 2007 the fashion brand released limited-edition shirts in collaboration with Gap- and two years later- a limited edition line with Target. The capsules which made headlines- however- was in collaboration with Coach and Cole Haan. Rodarte’s aesthetic has evolved since. Per The New Yorker.. the fashion brand was described as “the fashion equivalent of a Basquiat. People in the know really love it but to everyone else it’s inscrutable or a little bit ugly.”

That said.. Rodarte is in the permanent collections of Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art- Fashion Institute of Technology Museum in New York- Los Angeles County Museum of Art- and Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. In 2008 the brand was featured in Artforum.. In May 2011 Rodarte contributed artworks to a project in LA County Museum. That year Museum of Contemporary Art- Los Angeles opened Rodarte: States of Matter- the first West Coast museum exhibit of Rodarte’s fashion and costume designs. The following year LA County Museum of Art acquired Rodarte Spring 2012 Couture and displayed the collection in its Italian renaissance gallery.. alongside renaissance art.

The designer duo also collaborated on special projects with Frank Gehry and Gustavo Dudamel on the LA Philharmonic’s production of Don Giovanni.. Benjamin Millepied on costumes for the New York City Ballet’s Two Hearts.. and L.A. Dance Project’s Moving Parts. In 2018 W was full of praise for the duo’s showing in Paris. “Though showing their ready to wear label during couture season, away from their home base in New York, had its risks, the sisters are proving that 12 years into their brand they’re operating at the top of their game.”

The sisters still work out of their headquarters is a cozy downtown L.A. loft in a former Federal Reserve Building but they must be doing something right till date… with their collections continuing to garner critical acclaim. Per Vogue, “The Mulleavys have the right idea for how to do that for a millennial generation that dreams big and dresses cozy. Let’s see how they balance it all out on their return to the New York runway this fall.”  And when they’re not designing wearable art they’re writing and directing a feature film. In 2017 the sisters released ‘Woodshock’ at the 74th annual Venice film festival. The film was written and directed by the Mulleavy’s.. and starring Kirsten Dunst.

Vision

Luxury fashion brand Rodarte’s vision has always centered around creativity, innovation, and the pursuit of sheer beauty, often at the expense of conventional wearability. Since its inception, the brand has consistently pushed boundaries, challenging the norms of fashion and rejecting the idea that beauty must be practical or restrained. This daring approach to design, which values artistry and imagination above all, has solidified Rodarte’s reputation as a trailblazer in the fashion industry, creating pieces that spark conversation and defy expectations.

The design aesthetic that Rodarte’s founders, Kate and Laura Mulleavy, dreamt about since their teenage years has come to life in collections that blur the line between fashion and art. With each new collection, they continue to channel their youthful passion for creativity into garments that exude an ethereal quality, drawing inspiration from a wide array of sources—from nature and cinema to fine art and fantasy. Their garments, often described as wearable art, are celebrated not just for their intricate craftsmanship, but for their ability to tell stories and evoke emotion in those who wear and admire them.

Praised by fashion editors worldwide, Rodarte’s creations have become iconic for their boldness and innovation. Their designs are beloved not only by the fashion elite but also by celebrities and artists who appreciate the brand’s uncompromising vision. Rodarte remains committed to crafting pieces that embody the beauty of the extraordinary, encouraging those who wear their designs to embrace creativity and individuality with every stitch.

Mission Statement

Rodarte’s dedication to high-concept design reinforces its place as a leader in avant-garde fashion. For Rodarte, fashion is less about everyday practicality and more about storytelling, fantasy, and the creation of a visual experience that makes heads turn wen the wearer walks into the ballroom. The mission embodies a fearless commitment to pushing artistic boundaries, even if it means their creations are reserved for the rarefied few who prioritize art and aesthetic. In this way, Rodarte continues to challenge the industry by making fashion about art, imagination, and daring self-expression.

Key Team

Siblings Katherine “Kate” Mulleavy and Laura Mulleavy founded the fashion brand Rodarte in 2005. In addition to their work in fashion, the sisters diversified into film, writing and directing ‘Woodshock’ as well as co-designing costumes in ‘Black Swan’.

Products and Services

Rodarte is known for its innovative and artistic approach to high-end fashion. Their products, primarily focused on women’s handmade read to wear and bridal wear, stand out for the intricate detailing, avant-garde designs, and masterful use of fabrics. Rodarte’s collections often blend a romantic aesthetic with modern influences and their pieces are celebrated for craftsmanship and originality, making them highly sought after by fashion enthusiasts and celebrities alike. Beyond clothing, Rodarte also offers fashion accessories such as shoes and handbags, which carry the same artistic quality as their apparel.

In addition to their products, Rodarte’s collections are released seasonally, each with a distinctive theme or inspiration that often draws from art, nature, and cinema. Their runway shows are highly anticipated events in the fashion industry, known for their theatrical presentations and innovative styling. Rodarte’s collaborations with other brands and artists extend their influence beyond traditional fashion, showcasing their versatility and creative reach. And, their services include custom couture pieces and collaborations on bespoke projects, positioning them as a luxury fashion brand that not only sells clothing but offers a holistic and immersive fashion experience.

Awards and Recognition

Kate and Laura Mulleavy have won several awards over the years, the most discerning ones being CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year.. United States Artists Grant.. Cooper-Hewitt National Design Award for Fashion in 2009- National Arts Award from Americans for the Arts in 2010- and Legend of Fashion Award from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2013.

References

• Wiki page of Rodarte Wikipedia
• Rodarte’s Kate and Laura Mulleavy: Fabricators LA Times
• Rodarte founders’ profile BoF
• Rodarte on Their California Inspirations The Cut
• Coach and Rodarte’s capsule collection is rock ’n’ roll romance perfection Glamour
• Ready to Wear: After a Long Flirtation, Art and Fashion Have Wed Observer
• Rodarte runway reviews BoF
• Vogue profiles Rodarte Vogue
• Rodarte Teams Up With Cole Haan Forbes
• Youtube channel of Rodarte Youtube
• Kate and Laura: Life in Parties W
• LinkedIn account of Rodarte LinkedIn
• Kate and Laura Mulleavy Talk Fashion Off and On the Runway WWD
• Instagram account of Rodarte Instagram
• Kate and Laura’s Weirdworld BoF
• Facebook page of Rodarte Facebook
• Twisted Sisters New Yorker
• Twitter account of Rodarte Twitter
• Rodarte Brings a Vision of Loveliness to Paris Haute Couture W