Rodarte

Rodarte is a brand of clothing and accessories founded by Kate and Laura Mulleavy. The Mulleavy sisters are U.C. Berkeley graduates from Pasadena, California, and have received a number of industry awards since the line's inception in 2005. The sisters have also collaborated with Gap, and most recently Target, on limited edition pieces.

After their initial collection of just 10 pieces, the Mulleavys appeared on the cover of Women's Wear Daily and had a meeting with US Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. The company also had the early support of retailers Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom.

On November 13, 2008, The Mulleavy sisters won one of fashion's biggest monetary awards, The Swiss Textiles Award in Zurich Switzerland, worth 100,000 euros. Rodarte beat other fashion designers like Jean-Pierre Braganza, Richard Nicoll and Louise Goldin to the prize. They were the first women to win the award and the first winners from outside Europe. The jury for the prize included New York fashion designer Patricia Field. In a radio interview just after they received their accolade Kate and Laura Mulleavy said their sibling relationship is critical to their work and their success.

Rodarte has been seen on many celebrities including Tilda Swinton, Emma Watson, Chloë Sevigny, Cate Blanchett, Keira Knightley, and Dita von Teese.At the 81st Academy Awards both Reese Witherspoon and Natalie Portman were dressed in Rodarte. Another celebrity fan and friend, is actress Kirsten Dunst, who accompanied them to the CFDA Awards in 2009. Another friend, fan, and model is Joanna Newsom, who is often seen wearing their designs. She has previously modeled for them, and been an interviewer of the two young women. 

On April 23, 2009, Michelle Obama wore Rodarte while hosting Queen Rania of Jordan in the Oval Office.

A limited edition Rodarte for Target line as a part of GO International was released in stores and online December 20, 2009. Tavi Gevinson, 13-year-old style blogger, is the spokesperson for this new line.

In July 2010, Rodarte's collaboration with Make-up Art Cosmetics, inspired by Ciudad Juárez, sparked controversy. Many found the collection names, such as "Factory", "Juarez", and "Ghost Town", insensitive to the rampant crime against women in Ciudad Juarez. On August 17, MAC announced the cancellation of the collection.

Awards and nominations

2009 CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year - Won

2008 CFDA Swarovski Award for Womenswear - Won 

2008 Stella Swiss Textiles Award - Won 

2007 CFDA Swarovski Award for Womenswear - Nomination 

2006 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund - Runner Up

2006 CFDA Swarovski Award for Womenswear - Nomination

2006 Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation Award - Won

(source:wikipedia)