This season they did what most fashion critics and department store buyers thought was impossible – they made interesting, concept ready-to-wear with the sensibility of a couture collection.
As usual, the Mulleavy sisters were inspired by California; they are, after all, the anti-fashion kids.
With wood panelled prints designed after actual wood grains and tooled leather, Rodarte maintained the artesian quality of their work without pigeonholing themselves as an unwearable label.
Mandarin collared tunics replaced intricately knit eveningwear in what is certainly their most saleable collection to date.
The seventies theme that has come forth as the trend to watch this NYFW was integrated with simple, streamlined silhouettes.
One can’t help but wonder if this collection was something of an audition for the label as the LVMH rumours swirl, and surely the conglomerate is just as worried about sales as innovation.
The creative eye that the Mulleavy sisters have cannot be taught, but it would appear that transforming that into a ready-to-wear collection, in the strict sense of the word, can be.
