Rodarte’s Florentine Dreams
By
June 16, 2011
Created exclusively on the occasion of the eighth edition of Pitti W, Rodarte unveiled a site-specific installation yesterday in Florence showcasing a new ten-piece couture collection. The gowns will travel to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art after their stay in Italy. Inspired by Fra Angelico’s frescoes in the monks’ cells at the Convent of San Marco, as well as Bernini’s The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa, these costumes are a perfect fit for LACMA, which, as CEO Michael Govan noted, maintains an archive of fashion history that stretches from ancient textiles to cutting-edge designs. Unique to each Rodarte gown in this couture collection, neon light constructions complement the fabrications of feathers, Swarovski crystals, silk georgette, chiffon, organza, taffeta, sequins, and tulle. A color palette of pink, melon, gold, moonshine white, aqua, pistachio, dusty blue, lavender, mauve, and crimson stretches across the collection; and several of the gowns are adorned with breastplates, belts, and headpieces.
“Laura and I have been deeply inspired by Florence and its artistic legacy. We have spent countless hours dreaming of the poetic city, every detail magnified by our own curiosity and imagination,” Kate Mulleavy said of the collection. The Mulleavy sisters have been busy: Rodarte’s first monograph, Rodarte, Catherine Opie, Alec Soth (JRP/Ringier) will also launch at Pitti W.
