Rodarte, founded by Sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy in 2005, showed during NY Fashion Week they can still stage an amazing fashion show. For Fall 2010, the Sisters went back to their roots to explore the culture of Juarez and small Mexican border towns. They described the inspiration as ethereal “sleepwalking between worlds“, sleepy towns that appeared almost abandoned.
The collection consisted of chunky knits sweaters, crocheted cardigans and intricate knitwear. If there is one thing they have proven over and over it is that they know how to create home spun looking knitwear. They seem to lean towards invoking a nomadic feel when working with wools and knitwear. There were also numerous almost vintage like floral prints in subdued tones. The color palette was varied with shades of pink, ivory and muddy earth tones.
The Mexican reference was seen in some of the aztec prints where they layered mismatched patchwork pieces. Pants were worn under skirts and often with layered socks. Ballerina ribbons entwined the ankles of the models. Nicholas Kirkwood designed the shoes which added another dimension to the collection. The purple, black and white shoes made a statement all their own as did the crimson red shoes.
Embellished and lace hosiery also added to the ethereal feel of the looks as they faded to childlike white fairy tale lace gowns. The last few models remained on stage as the room faded to blacklight and their shoes lit up with tiny bulbs as candles burned and wax dripped behind them. As I said another wonderfully staged collection proving the Mulleavy sisters worthy of their numerous accolades and projects. These young sisters are the “ones to watch“…
PHOTOS: WWD
