Rodarte

Rodarte is an American brand of luxury apparel founded in 2005 by sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy. Based in Los Angeles, Rodarte has gained recognition for its sophisticated craftsmanship, delicate textiles, and innovative designs. The siblings chose the name “Rodarte,” their mother's maiden name, to honor their familial heritage and their dedication to personal storytelling through fashion.

The Mulleavy sisters grew up in Northern California, with their mother an artist and their father a botanist. Their unique upbringing, imbued with an appreciation for nature and aesthetics, heavily influenced their future work. They launched their debut collection with just ten pieces and garnered immediate attention from fashion industry heavyweights, including Vogue's then-editor Anna Wintour.

Rodarte's early years saw rapid success marked by their inclusion in the New York Fashion Week calendar starting in 2006. The brand soon became synonymous with an ethereal, almost fantastical blend of high femininity and dark romanticism. Their third collection received the 2008 CFDA Swarovski Emerging Womenswear Designer award, establishing them as powerful new voices in American fashion.

In 2009, Rodarte was awarded the CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year, cementing their place in the industry. They went on to collaborate with high-profile clients and projects, including designing costumes for Darren Aronofsky's 2010 film "Black Swan." The ballet-inspired pieces were celebrated for their intricate detailing and played a significant role in the visual storytelling of the film.

The brand has also expanded into other creative domains, including collaborations with established retail names like Target and various exhibitions in prestigious institutions such as the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, and the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum.

Rodarte has successfully cultivated a unique niche, merging art and fashion. Their unwavering commitment to originality and craftsmanship continues to carve out its distinctive path in the luxury fashion landscape.