If you recall, Laura and Kate Mulleavy, the ingenues behind the ethereal creations of Rodarte, were virtual unknowns when they were named 2006 CFDA finalists. Since then, they have become the darlings of US Vogue's Anna Wintour, the fashion forward crowd, various Manhattan socialites and a smattering of young starlets. More importantly, they are apparently exerting influence on older brands and up-and-comers alike. When I first saw each of the dresses featured below on the right (by Project Runway laureate Christian Siriano and Stafano Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent respectively) I initially mistook them for Rodarte creations. I do not mean to suggest in any way that the Christiane Siriano or Yves Saint-Laurent creations were somehow mimicking or copying Rodarte. I simply mean that the je-ne-sais-quoi whimsy and style that characterizes Rodarte creations are trickling out and influencing the industry as a whole. In some instances, it is obvious as in the Christian Siriano dress, while in other instances, the influence is subtle as in the Yves Saint Laurent dress. Judge for yourself and as always, let me know what you think.
Sincerely,
The Luxe Chronicles
Photographic References:
Row 1: Rodarte, Fall 2007 (Photo courtesy of Style.com); Design by Christian Siriano - Project Runway Finale (Photo courtesy of Elle.com).
Row 2: Rodarte, Spring 2007 (Photo courtesy of Style.com); Clothilde Coureau wearing Yves Saint-Laurent, Spring 2008 (Photo courtesy of WWD).
Comments