From their theatrical, mesmerizing runway collections to their scary-beautiful ballet costumes and cult classic cotton tees, California designer duo Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte are one of our favorite brands to watch. (The fact that we’re on the same page in the sparkle department only seals the deal.) In honor of our exclusive collaboration with Kate and Laura – available as of today – and our great appreciation of their 10-years-strong brand, we asked the Mulleavys to share a bit about their role models, inspirations and favorite designs for our latest Women of Style interview.
Meet Kate & Laura
On Growing Up In California
Photo: Courtesy
"We loved growing up just outside of Santa Cruz. We lived near horse ranches, apple orchards and the most beautiful Eucalyptus-lined beaches."
On Becoming Designers
Photo: Shawn Brackbill via @officialrodarte.
"We've both had an interest in fashion since we were really young. Kate studied Art History and I studied English at UC Berkeley. We are by nature storytellers, and we love communicating ideas through clothing, as well as through other mediums."
California has always been our inspiration. We feel our most creative here. It is a part of who we are as designers.
Milestone Moments In Their Career
Photo: Autumn de Wilde via @officialrodarte.
"When a pale yellow pleated gown we made as part of the Fall 2006 collection was featured in The Western History of Fashion at the Met. Also, seeing the ballet costumes we designed for Black Swan in the movie theater for the first time was pretty amazing."
Their Role Models
Laura with Grace Coddington. Photo: Autumn de Wilde via @officialrodarte.
"We always ask questions and many people have guided us in the years that we have been working. We love to hear people’s stories and experiences. We make sure to internalize all that we observe and learn. We are always open to being better, and to working harder."
On Collaborating with Rachel And The Zoe Report
Rodarte for The Zoe Report grey and silver sweatshirt, $154. Photo: Andrew Durham.
"Rachel and the team are really amazing - their love for fashion is inspiring! In terms of the items we designed for the collection we absolutely love the butterfly pieces. We customized them from the fall runway especially for Zoe Collective."
Shop Rodarte for The Zoe Report
Their Typical Work Day
Rodarte's fall 2014 runway show. Photo: Kim Hastings via @officialrodarte.
"Every day is different! We often find ourselves travelling last minute, working late nights, and sometimes have an afternoon where we can create without interruption."
Their Style Icon
Guinevere in Rodarte. Photo: @officialrodarte.
"Probably Guinevere van Seenus, whom we collaborate with often."
Fall 2014 Rodarte Bestsellers
Karolina Kurkova in Rodarte's glitter parka. Photo: @officialrodarte.
"The black velvet, tulle and chiffon draped dresses we made with Swaroski crystals were very popular as well as the teal and pink glittery coats from the runway."
Their Personal Favorite From Fall
Photos: Courtesy of Rodarte
"We love the Star Wars Saga inspired gowns with hand smocking and Swarovski Crystals."
Their Current Obsessions
Alice Coltrane Journey in Satchidananda, $15.
Laura: "I am re-reading The Ponder Heart by Eudora Welty, watching Mad Men Season 5, and listening to The Replacements".
Kate: "I am listening to Alice Coltrane, reading Robert Irwin’s Notes Toward a Conditional Art and rewatching Robert Altman films like Three Women and The Long Goodbye."
How They Unwind After A Long Day
"Ladies night". Laura, Kate, Sophia Coppola and Kirsten Dunst at the 2014 Met Gala. Photo: @officialrodarte.
"We love to go out to dinner with friends or go to the movies."
Three Things Most People Don't Know About Kate & Laura
Rodarte's 'Breathless' posters. Photo: Style.com
1.) "We designed posters for the 50th Anniversary re-release of Godard’s Breathless."
2.) "We each have a birthday that falls during the fall and spring NYC fashion weeks."
3.) "We love taking vacations to New Orleans during Halloween."
More Rodarte
Watch The Video
Learn how to wear Rodarte for The Zoe Report (and shop all pieces) in our exclusive video with up-and-coming model Sidney Williams, styled by Rachel Zoe Studio.
