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)

Kate and Laura Mulleavy

Hi if you've been following the fashion scene, by now you've most likely heard the names Kate and Laura Mulleavy. New to the fashion world and hitting it full force, these two young girls are an inspiration for others. Without formal training but armed with determination, charm, and great ideas you reach your dreams.

Sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy new Rodarte line is full of nostalgia capturing the feel of the 1930s in America. It was only last year that sisters Kate and Laura decided to launch their own label Rodarte.

They were determined to cut no corners using only the most expensive fabrics.

Rodarte is based on the strong American spirit. Fashion icons such as Carole Lombard were inspirational to their designs. The Rodarte line can be found at Mix in Houston and Kirna Zaberte in New York.

26 year old Kate and 24 year old Laura both graduated from Berkeley. Neither has any formal fashion training, only a passion for the history of the past. Both have always had an interest in designing clothing.

Rodarte is named after their Grandfather a Zacatecan coal miner who immigrated to America during the Mexican Revolution. The family's linage is very important to both girls. They are also very close to each other which is why they make such a great team.

These inseparable sisters have been in business a very short period of time when they got a break. The Mulleavy sisters introduced their small collection of silk dresses adorned with peacock feathers and Italian-wool evening coats.

Their collections were as aesthetically pleasing as the works of famous designers such as Calvin Klein. They certainly were the most talked about.

Kate and Laura wrote a letter to vintage guru Cameron Silver charming him with their 10 piece Rodarte collection. He invited them to set up shop during L.A. Fashion Week at Decades.

Even without formal training, it is very apparent that this sister act has a sense of style and design as their small Rodarte collection quickly gains momentum.

Their line will soon be found in some of the countries best boutiques. LA's Satine, Houston's Mix, Chicago's Ikram, New York's Kirna Zabette. They've even managed a private showing for Vogue's Anna Wintour.

The collection ranges from $1300 to $2000 in price. It's themed around the romantic west, nature, and their personal family linage. Their black wool crepe bodice dress is an all time favorite.

Made from strips of stiff fabric resembling tree trunks, with a delicate flowing skirt. The Earhart coat is a one pocket trench coat, and their military coat is black double faced wool accented with a thin row of pheasant feathers. How much closer to nature can you get?

Their fast growing recognition has people wondering who they know. The reality is they haven't made their debut because of who they know. They've come to be on talent and the goodwill of the fashion industry.

Their current collection is exactly what stylish women want to wear. Their talent is excellent, there genuine about wanting to design and their personalities are drawing.

It will be interesting to see where these girls are in a few years.

(source:ezinearticles.com)