Rodarte — we can't say the name without having images of fashion-forward dresses float before our eyes. Designers Kate and Laura Mulleavy have taken the concept of a gown and turned it upside down, in the best way possible. Their designs manage to be both ethereal and completely funky — not to mention the fact that celebs eat them up! The sisters have even dabbled in the movie industry, creating the Black Swan costumes, which were inspired by Edgar Degas's "Little Dancer" statue. Since Fall 2006, Rodarte's ready-to-wear has gotten more and more sophisticated and elaborate. Revisit some of its best runway looks below.
Bare or barely covered shoulders were a focus in this brightly colored, sparkle-adorned collection that included gowns we could very much picture on one Elle Fanning.
The bodice of a pale blue gown was covered in little rhinestones, and a few fur-trimmed coats were cut from what looked like a very sturdy Lurex.
The final look was a gown printed with an image of Yoda from Star Wars, and the two gowns that came before were screen-printed with Han Solo, and this design featured the robot C-3PO. Another one featured the fabled Death Star and the moons of Tatooine.
But mostly, these pieces were just as quirky and sculptural as the garments we've come to expect from this designing duo.
Other pieces channeled the kinds of animals you see in the deserts surrounding the city.
The Mulleavy sisters offered a Los Angeles-inspired collection for Spring 2014. Some of the offerings drew on the LA of the '80s and '90s.
It was all about purposefully mismatched outfits. Two-toned jackets and pants were complemented by tie-dyed tops.
For Fall 2013, Rodarte reinterpreted grunge. Here, a white moto jacket was layered over a draped black top and diaphanous skirt.
For Fall '08, the girls continued their love of gowns, only with a hint of color and fluidity.
Spring '08 was a whole new fresh game — see-through details, netting, and knitting.
Kate and Laura Mulleavy started Rodarte in the Spring of '06 with simple designs with an edge.