Fashion and the Force: Star Wars™ Gowns from Rodarte

See designer fashions from Rodarte’s Fall / Winter 2014 Collection inspired by a galaxy far, far away…

In 2005, Kate and Laura Mulleavy founded Rodarte, a luxury brand instantly lauded for its distinct design concepts and intricate textile innovations. A conceptual and innovative brand, Rodarte is known for its artistic mixture of high couture, California influences, and explorations into other art forms.

The gowns temporarily on display at the ROM include:

• Yoda on Dagobah themed printed silk charmeuse gown with silk chiffon and Swarovski crystals (Look 37)
• Death Star themed printed silk charmeuse gown with black silk velvet and Swarovski crystals (Look 33)
• C-3PO and R2-D2 on Tatooine themed printed silk charmeuse gown with Swarovski crystals (Look 36)

Highlights

“Laura and Kate Mulleavy of Rodarte are the quintessential wacky chicks – they have a passion and understanding for pop culture and its relevance that allows them to create collections that are truly original. One always is transfixed watching a Rodarte runway show, the FW14 collection was no exception – it was a rebirth of sorts for them. When the Star War™ gowns emerged at the end, the energy changed, there was a sense of ebullition as well as one of being slightly perplexed at the choice, at seeing these iconic images presented in this way, and then came the applause. The force ultimately wins.” — Nicholas Mellamphy, Vice President and Buying Director, The Room and Personal Shopping, Hudson’s Bay

“These are fantastic, digitally-printed designs that only the Rodarte sisters could come up with – they are a modern rendering of their childhood memories blended with their adult, feminine aesthetics into glamourous and beautifully made evening wear. I am absolutely thrilled to be taking them into the ROM’s permanent collection.”   — Alexandra Palmer, Nora E. Vaughan Senior Curator, Textiles & Costume, ROM