During the Rodarte Fall Winter 2023–2024 show, an ethereal spectacle took place at the heart of the Williamsburg Savings Bank. The opulence of the venue was turned into a silver refuge with shimmering tablescapes, sparkling candles, and lavish displays of fruits and flowers paired with sequined chairs and tablecloths. Kate and Laura Mulleavy, the sisters, created a captivating show that set the tone for a fashion trip that transcended physical limitations.
The runway opened with an intriguing selection of all-black Goth dresses with floor-length sleeves. The collection ended compellingly with gowns embellished with figures from fairy tales, and it flowed smoothly into a Glam Rock atmosphere. The Mulleavys’ boundless inventiveness enveloped the showcase in an ethereal spell.
Inside the reimagined Williamsburg Savings Bank, the silver feast took on a magical significance, hinting at the fantasy world that was about to be revealed. The Mulleavys’ mother, an artist, supplied sketches of these ethereal creatures, inspired by fairies, which were subsequently turned into prints that adorned the clothing. The fairies were given life by a combination of gothic aesthetics, Siouxsie Sioux-inspired cosmetics, and black lipstick, which produced an almost celestial atmosphere.
The collection, which included sequined burnout velvet designs, Victorian-inspired black satin bias-cut dresses, and glitzy evening gowns with languid jersey dresses, unfurled like meaningful poetry. The iconic cobweb knits, which were created by hand using a collage of materials, made a reappearance, and the exhibit was given a whimsical and fantastical touch by the bulbous metallic fringe shapes.
The Mulleavy sisters created a stylistically smashing tapestry by skillfully combining textures such as burnout velvet, shredded cheese cloth, and metallic fringe, demonstrating their meticulous attention to detail. Exquisite lace and beading accents highlighted their skillful workmanship and added to the collection’s overall charm. An outstanding example of well-coordinated design, the Rodarte Fall Winter 2023–2024 presentation demonstrated the Mulleavy sisters’ ability to transform their creative vision into an amazing fashion statement. The enchanted atmosphere of the silver dinner reflected the designers’ method of creation, which was open to fresh ideas right up until the final, riveting detail.
