Rodarte's Spring/Summer 2024 Lookbook is a Botanical Reverie

Rodarte Spring Summer 2024 collection lookbook

The Spring/Summer 2024 collection, a labor of love meticulously crafted by the visionary duo of Kate and Laura Mulleavy, stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of artistic innovation. Drawing inspiration from the captivating realm of flowers and the profound metaphor of personal growth and transformation, the Mulleavy sisters have seamlessly woven a narrative of flourishing gardens and life-altering journeys into their latest sartorial masterpiece.

The collection unfolds with a breathtaking gown that encapsulates the very essence of Rodarte. Its intricately designed bodice, an exquisite interplay of purple and black lace adorned with delicate beaded embroidery at the bust, sets the stage for the visual symphony that follows. The voluminous skirt, meticulously composed of gradient shades of purple organza, accompanied by a matching capelet adorned with layers of ruffled organza, delivers a bold proclamation. These garments declare that this collection is for those who view fashion as a potent form of self-expression, unapologetically bold and wonderfully unique.

One hallmark of this collection is its emphasis on slender and elongated silhouettes. Silk bias-cut slip dresses, evoking the glamour of the 1930s, grace the runway, occasionally featuring dainty sleeves. Yet, it's the vibrant and captivating color palette that truly breathes life into these dresses. Hues such as iris, peony yellow, emerald green, cornflower, and ultramarine are accentuated with black lace appliqués and velvet bows, creating a visual tapestry that feels thoroughly contemporary.

A defining moment within the collection emerges with a trio of dresses adorned with meticulous all-over beading. A ballet pink column dress, featuring a delicate peplum and a halter neckline, exudes grace and sophistication. An emerald green short-sleeved creation, complete with a ruffled hem and a sculptural neckline extending gracefully past the shoulders, commands attention and admiration. Simultaneously, a column gown in a captivating shade of orchid purple, adorned with tiered ruffles shaped by horsehair, introduces a touch of sparkle and intricacy. Notably, each of these creations bears witness to the Mulleavy sisters' devotion to craftsmanship, with every detail meticulously handcrafted.

However, the true luminaries of this showcase are the ruffle dresses that pay homage to Rodarte's inaugural collection in 2006. Vertical ruffles, painstakingly constructed from an array of silk fabrics—organza, chiffon, charmeuse, and georgette—grace these garments, embellished with intricate fabric rosettes. A shorter iteration in lilac tones exudes youthful charm, while a long-sleeved version in shades of blue and white demands attention with its dramatic flair. A sleeveless masterpiece, artistically fuses together red, yellow, green, purple, black, and turquoise, serves as a testament to the designers' innate understanding of color. As Kate Mulleavy aptly notes, "A lot of people are interested in silhouette first, but I feel like we're a hundred percent interested in color and texture first, and then it's about building out the silhouettes."