Rodarte? More Like Radarte When It Comes to the Runway!
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.
Fall 2014
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.
Fall 2014
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.
Fall 2014
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.
Spring 2014
But mostly, these pieces were just as quirky and sculptural as the garments we've come to expect from this designing duo.
Spring 2014
Other pieces channeled the kinds of animals you see in the deserts surrounding the city.
Spring 2014
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.
Fall 2013
What would a grunge revival be without dusty florals?
Fall 2013
It was all about purposefully mismatched outfits. Two-toned jackets and pants were complemented by tie-dyed tops.
Fall 2013
For Fall 2013, Rodarte reinterpreted grunge. Here, a white moto jacket was layered over a draped black top and diaphanous skirt.
Spring 2013
Colorblock dresses featured printed panels for eye-catching cocktail wear.
Spring 2013
Ethereal blue gowns got hard metallic edges from stylized corsetry.
Fall 2012
For Fall '12, 1940s glam was the inspiration behind the ornate, ladylike dresses.
Fall 2012
Black and white were paired together brilliantly on the Fall '12 runway.
Fall 2011
The sisters added pops of bright crimson to the collection.
Fall 2011
The angelic theme for Fall '11 was a piece of heaven.
Spring 2011
Laura and Kate were also feeling plaid for Spring '11.
Spring 2011
With touches of bright blue for interest.
Spring 2011
Spring '11 was pure gold.
Fall 2010
Not the most flattering cuts, but definitely visually appealing.
Fall 2010
Fall 2010 was cozier and layered up.
Spring 2010
From top to bottom, Rodarte models were tattered chic.
Spring 2010
Last Spring, the intense shredding began.
Fall 2009
Gray hues dominated for a moody palette.
Fall 2009
Thigh-high boots and metallics ruled.
Fall 2009
Fall '09 took a major futuristic detour.
Spring 2009
Black and white and fierce all over.
Spring 2009
Karlie Kloss walked this magical number down the catwalk.
Spring 2009
For Spring '09, figure-skating-inspired gowns ruled.
Fall 2008
They continued their love of knits.
Fall 2008
Oh those netted tights!
Fall 2008
For Fall '08, the girls continued their love of gowns, only with a hint of color and fluidity.
Spring 2008
A great mix of ethereal and powerful.
Spring 2008
How gorgeous is this gown?
Spring 2008
Spring '08 was a whole new fresh game — see-through details, netting, and knitting.
Fall 2007
And their gowns got a bit more off-kilter.
Fall 2007
They played around with tulle.
Fall 2007
Fall '07 was all about metallics — but the hemlines stayed modest.
Spring 2007
This dress took voluminous to a whole new level.
Spring 2007
And quirky touches.
Spring 2007
Spring '07 continued with girlie details but injected some bright color.
Fall 2006
They loved tiered scallops.
Fall 2006
For Fall 2006, Rodarte went superfemme.
Spring 2006
And long gowns with a funky twist.
Spring 2006
They had an affinity for longer hemlines.
Spring 2006
Kate and Laura Mulleavy started Rodarte in the Spring of '06 with simple designs with an edge.