Not for the faint of heart, Rodarte shined at NYFW, unveiling a sexy collection using luscious leather fabrics, voluminous exotic feathers and those totally envy-worthy lace-up boots.
With an emphasis on sumptuous materials and ultra-luxe fabrics, designers Laura and Kate Mulleavy set the tone for a new and more daring direction for the label. Citing migrating birds from the city to the country as a reference, a more accurate mark would be 70’s chic with leather and lace.
Right off the bat, model Anna Ewers took to the stage in a sleek, fur-lined bomber jacket paired with a jagged leather mini and sky high, lace-up stilettos. Unlike the more flouncy skater skirt trend we’ve seen in past collections, this chic and edgy leather miniskirt looks like a promising pick for fall.
Raising the bar for Rodarte’s level of seduction, the models sported cropped sweaters and form-fitting leather leggings with see-through side slits. In line with this year’s trendy, retro 70’s vibe, one key look featured a silk blouse with a plunging neckline, neatly tucked into a pair of navy blue leggings.
A street-ready look played with textures, entrancing the audience with a dare-to-bare-it-all lace top, high waisted leather shorts and white lace leggings. Outerwear also emphasized their luxurious direction, featuring subdued tartan patterns with subtle strips of leather amidst fur lining.
A more understated look included a herringbone blazer, feminine blouse paired with leather leggings in a delicious mocha color scheme. Reminiscent of a party scene from The Great Gatsby, the models progressed to a series of sequined dresses with ostrich, marabou and other feathery details to close out the show.
Encouraging the modern city girl to stand out from the crowd and enjoy the moment, the Mulleavy designers know how to put their own personal spin on a little glamour and glitz. For Fall 2015, it look’s like Rodarte’s love affair with leather and lace is back with a vengeance.
Written by Jade Nicolette
It definitely seems like the Mulleavy sisters pushed toward a more seductive and daring aesthetic this season, especially with all the leather and sheer elements highlighted.
The cropped sweaters with form-fitting leather leggings and side slits sounded like a bold styling choice, especially with the emphasis on revealing just enough skin.
I liked how the article pointed out the shift from flouncy skater skirts to those sharper leather minis, it makes the fall direction feel more grown-up and deliberate.
That opening look with Anna Ewers in the fur-lined bomber and jagged leather mini really set the tone, it felt like Rodarte leaning harder into attitude than their usual softness.
The texture play in the lace top with high-waisted leather shorts and white lace leggings sounds risky, but it’s very on-brand for Rodarte’s experimental layering.
That navy silk blouse with the plunging neckline tucked into leggings felt like a subtle nod to the 70s without going full costume, which I prefer.
Interesting how the outerwear incorporated tartan with strips of leather and fur lining, it adds dimension without overwhelming the rest of the outfit.
The Great Gatsby comparison for the feathered, sequined finale really helped visualize the drama, especially with ostrich and marabou details closing the show.
Those lace-up stilettos paired with the mini skirts must have looked intense on the runway, definitely not an easy look to pull off in real life but striking visually.
I appreciated the mention of the mocha-toned leather leggings with the herringbone blazer, it seems like one of the more wearable looks compared to the rest of the collection.
The mix of migrating bird inspiration with a 70s leather and lace vibe sounded a bit abstract, but the feathered sequined dresses at the end seemed to tie it together nicely.