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.