The Oprah Winfrey hosted party for Ralph Lauren wasn't the only big fashion event this week as Thursday night saw Simon Doonan host the Fashion Group International's 28th annual Night of Stars party at Cipriani Wall Street. Guests included everyone from Anna Sui to Amar'e Stoudemire and Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte, Lauren Bush, Giambattista Valli, Daphne Guiness and Andrew Rosen all walked away with awards.
It's only a few months before Pitti W and Pitti Uomo take place, and organisers got us excited when they announced this year's guest designers yesterday. Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte will design for the former, and expect Scott Sternberg of Band of Outsiders for the latter.
“Rodarte and Band of Outsiders are two very different design talents,” Lapo Cianchi, the director of communication and events at Pitti Immagine, said. “But they both connect us to the mythology of Western America: Los Angeles, where all three designers live and work; film, which they are obviously interested in; and the expanses of the interstate highway that runs through California or heads into the desert of Nevada. The European curiosity about California culture and the landscape played an important role in Pitti’s decision to invite both designers to Florence at the same time.”
All three designers have released statements about the news. "Italy has always captured our imaginations and inspired us artistically," the Rodarte sister explained, "so we look forward to having the opportunity to share our vision there." Sternberg agreed: "Italy is a second home to me, where I've produced our collections for the last three years. Being invited by Pitti is such an honor."
Image copyright Lula
In more Rodarte news, the designers' go at guest editing has officially hit newsstands. Kate and Laura Mulleavy took on the role of editors for the Fall/Winter 2010 issue of Lula, where they styled Kirsten Dunst in an ethereal editorial shot by Autumn de Wilde, a personal friend and their backstage photographer for fashion week. Also in the issue, they've roped in Sofia Coppola and Tavi for their own contributions, and styled Charlotte Gainsbourg for the cover, shot by Nan Goldin. For more images from the issue, check Fashionologie.
Love Rodarte's eclectic style? Hate Rodarte for "going there" with Juarez? Either way, new tees on sale at Opening Ceremony should fit the bill. Kate and Laura Mulleavy have rolled out soft blue shirts announcing "J'aime Rodarte" and "Je deteste Rodarte," both part of the designing sisters' love/hate series. The price tag for picking a side? That'll be $105.
No. Not once. I think that would be very weird. I probably wouldn't wear any of the stuff I make.
”Laura Mulleavy said when asked whether she would wear the brand.
America's First Lady has been an interesting one to watch when it comes to fashion, and so it only seemed right that Michelle Obama spoke at this year's luncheon for the National Design Awards, wearing, of course, a gorgeous hot pink two piece by Isobel Toledo. Despite Obama being one of their most famous fans, Kate and Laura Mulleavy, the talented sisters behind Rodarte were unable to attend, even though they had won this year's Cooper-Hewitt National Design Award for Fashion.
According to WWD, a spokesman for the Mulleavys sent an early morning email explaining that the sister's had a "change of plan," and would be unable to attend, later adding that the pair had a "family obligation to attend to in Los Angeles." Although she didn't get to meet the duo behind one of her most loved American fashion brands, it was being seated next to Project Runway's Tim Gunn that made the day for Michelle Obama - "How cool!" she proclaimed.
Back to business, however, and the President's wife praised the luncheon guests before her; "All of you have spent your lives pushing boundaries - we know a little bit about pushing boundaries - or outright ignoring them altogether," she joked, continuing to quote Miles Davies. "The great jazz musician, Miles Davies - one of my husband's favourites - once said, 'Don't play what's there, play what's not there.' I think that's pretty much a good description of what each of you does every day. You're playing what's not there."
Anti-fur crowd, you might want to stop reading now: Rodarte designers Kate and Laura Mulleavy reportedly are extemely close to signing a deal to design for the French fur label Revillon. Peter Dundas formerly designed for the label but left in October 2008 to take over at Pucci. Without a designer, Revillon opted not to show in Paris last month - but if the Mulleavys sign on, they could start with a Couture Week collection this July. Although reps for Rodarte deny any dealings, a source said to the Daily that "the higher-ups at Revillon started pitching it to retailers during Paris Fashion Week."
Considering that Rodarte makes just 1,000 stores a year for retailers like Bergdorf Goodman and Opening Ceremony - and also considering that they market $10,350 dresses in a still-tough economy - it seems that a new source of income could only help the designers. And besides, in a spiderweb dress, sometimes you just need something to warm up. Like maybe a Revillon coat.
Tavi Gevinson might possibly be the world's luckiest little fashionista. Aged just 13, Tavi's blog Style Rookie has a readership of more than 4 million and counts Rodarte's Kate and Laura Mulleavy as fans. More recently, the 'tiny' blogger was interviewed by Peaches Geldof for Love, attended New York Fashion Week and bagged herself the front cover of the relaunch of Pop magazine - which resulted in her landing her first paid journalism job, writing for tavi.thepop.com.
The next move for the girl who 'wears awkward jackets and pretty hats'? Well if rumours are true, the Chicago-based blogger is set to report from the Couture shows in Paris, presumably to write for her Pop blog. Attending Paris Couture shows, mingling on the front rows of New York Fashion Week, and becoming Rodarte's muse could all be a bit much for the average teen, so we hope that the musings of the teen that fashion fell in love with sticks to her tracks - just think where the style rookie could be aged 18!
Design duo Kate and Laura Mulleavy are back with another lust-inducing collaboration, though this time it's one for the gents as they reveal their latest Rodarte designs for Opening Ceremony. The collection sees the sisters produce four pieces of their signature web-like knitwear - two cardigans and two crew necks - after having their recent womenswear collection for Target fly off the shelves.
They may be more than the $2,700 mark, but we're genuinely jealous of the gents that will be adding these spindly beauties to their wardrobes. Men should accessorise with geek glasses and many tattoos, obviously. However we may ignore the gender issue and begin rocking some of these ourselves. On your marks, boys.
