LC Meridian

Issue date: 2/1/10 Section: Fashion

Media Credit: Jarleen Samboy

Their designs have been worn by Hollywood's most prominent glitterati, their initial collection appeared on the cover of Women's Wear Daily and they received the support of none other than Vogue editor, Anna Wintour. Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte have become one of America's most celebrated designers in just five short years. In December, Rodarte's own collection for Target was unveiled.

The Rodarte for Target collection includes sweaters, dresses, tulle skirts, tees, some outerwear, dresses, animal print belts and knee highs. Among the pieces, is a sky blue swiss dotted dress and many little black dresses, one to which the finishing touch is a satin bow at the halter. The collection, intended for teenagers and young adults, received the touch of Rodarte's high end line, from lace cardigans to lace tights that sold within minutes. Their leopard dress-which Dakota modeled on the cover of Teen Vogue, sold out immediately. One fan described the collection as, "The beginning of a young quirky stylish girl's fashion evolution."

Founded in 2005, Rodarte, the fashion line by the Kate and Laura Mulleavy, is taking the fashion industry by storm. The sisters work as a "single organism," in perfect harmony. Born in 1979, Kate is just a year older than her sister Laura. Both are graduates of University of California, Berkeley. While Kate studied art history, Laura focused on literature.

Their first collection that included 10 handmade pieces made the February 3, 2005 cover of Women's Wear Daily. Their work is synonymous with sophistication and creativity. Each Rodarte piece has intricate details, such as draping and their elaborate hand dyed silk tulle that has become today their signature.

The year after their label was launched Rodarte was presented with the Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation Award, dedicated to support the careers of aspiring fashion designers. The foundation granted the sisters the economic platform needed to further develop their line.

It is hard to believe that neither Kate, nor Laura has any formal training in fashion considering that their creations, although prêt a porter, show amazing couture quality and workmanship. However, unlike most couture pieces which are made in Parisian studios, theirs were first produced in their parents' humble kitchen. Upon graduation they returned home and it was there where their line was born. The sisters' mother, whose maiden name was Rodarte, taught them to sew.

Rodarte's sophomore collection was showcased at New York Fashion Week and swifty support poured in from all major retailers such as, Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys, Neiman Marcus to name a few. Today, their creations are carried by international carriers as far as Asia.
In summer of 2008, Rodarte was given the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America Swarovski Emerging Womenswear Designer Award after two previous nominations, but it was the summer of 2009 that saw the women receive the CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year Award.

Spring 2010 saw a collection that is worthy of the women who have become one of the country's most proud talents.

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