RODARTE: PART 1

My first encounter with Rodarte (and by encounter I mean through the pages of a magazine) was way back in 2005 when the Mulleavy sisters first concocted a gothic mix of cobweb spun knit dresses, creating a collection that merged Japanese horror movies with an ethereal tenderness; a creative contradiction that has been carried on throughout their design career. 

(SS 08 my favourite looks in my favourite colour)

The initial aesthetic of the Mulleavy sisters both enthralled and just plain confused me. On first sight my inner monologue went a little like this: 'It's so pretty and weirdly practical in a, 'it's already full of holes so lets wear it everywhere' kinda way. But then again it'll probably catch on EVERYTHING. OOO but so pretty…' As you can see not once in my tooing and froing did the question of expense pop into my head. What did occur to me was how I could explain this whole new fashion favourite to my father. Knitted separates full of holes? I can see his brain exploding at the nonsensical and feeble explanation I'd offer up to him. 

Part ballerina, part warrior princess, with a pinch of the otherworldly, and a futuristic twist, all with its roots firmly set in the folkloric. The Mulleavy sisters magically encompass all of this without ever seeming superfluous. (It was difficult enough writing up that list, let alone channelling it in new and exciting collections every season!) 

Check out Vogue's timeline of the sister's collections right from the beginning. Seriously it's worth a look, but seen as you're already here, you might as well peruse my little recap of Rodarte throughout the years.

(AW 06/07)

From the strikingly sexy AW 06/07 collection, focusing on a very feminine silhouette in a seductively rich palette of deep crimson, blackest black and plush cream, to the voluminous ensembles of their SS 07 show, that encompassed both a simplicity and a decadence emphatic of their unique vision. The focus centred on the overcoat in their AW 07 collection, sending statement dress coats in opulent metallics down the runway, only to take a sexier turn in their SS 08 show. 

(SS 08)

The Mulleavy's description of the SS08 collection as being "about anime and the story of the tourist child/ vampire hunter" is enough in itself to make this my favourite Rodarte collection EVER. And the clothes are pretty great too. Despite Lauren David Peten's rather biting review, likening the sheer torso-ed cocktail dresses to a mishmash of Tonya Harding and Bjork, and ending with the advice: "they might want to keep the cartoonish, faerie princess trimmings to a minimum when designing for grown-up women who reside in the real world", I fully applaud the frothy dresses, pastel hues, shiny trousers and the romantic swathes of fabric that seductively  drape around the body. Plus the last three dresses remind me of clouds and candy floss. I love candy floss.

(AW 09 A gothic mix of blood stained layers)

AW 09 riffed on the same shredded crochet/knit thing emblematic of the sister's aesthetic, this time updated with a Japanese horror twist. The red streaked (or blood stained) gossamer dresses were a little too literal looking for me but damn the pairing of those cobwebby tights and killer Louboutin fetish spikes were insane - in a good way. 

(THOSE shoes)

SS 09 was a concoction of references: skeletons, X-rays, star wars and the colours of the cosmos culminating in a surprisingly boring collection. Only on closer inspection could the true detail be appreciated. We'll ignore this one. NEXT!   
   

(SS 09 Not my fav!)

One word; Frankenstein. I'll leave that sink in. AW 09/10 saw a kinda makeshift approach to designing, including hand-marbled leather, silver lame, metallic linen, loopy knits and glittery bits and bobs. (I'm going to ignore the murky coloured boots in favour of its black counter part.)  

(AW 09/10 Killer boots)

And here I take a pause. Oogle over these pictures for a bit and check back for Part 2 soon. 

(All of the above pictures are taken from Vogue and I claim no rights over them.)

TIE THE KNOT

So as you can probably tell from what you've read so far of my blog, I am definitely in favour of an accessory or two, heck even four or five if I'm in the mood to dazzle. I love the idea of being draped in anything from chains, to gems, to rings on every finger, bracelets from my wrist to my elbow, various belts cinching in my waist and hanging from my hips, dangling charms tinkling on my ankles, shoes in every colour, shape, heel size (apart from the dreaded kitten - read previous post), armfuls of handbags, clutch bags, slouchy bags, structured bags, bucket bags, scarves in clashing prints wrapped decoratively around my body. 

And it's the last item on my very long list that I'd like to centre this post on: The Scarf. 

(Still from 'Cup of Jo' step-by-step guide)

The weather at the moment is erratic to say the least and without belittling the very real chaos that has ensued, I would like to focus on something that, though is a little more trivial, is nonetheless essential to staving off those winter blues. As everyone knows, coughs, runny noses, fevers, colds and flu are never deemed fashionable.

After browsing through my usual '.com' haunts I fell upon an article by 'Cup of Jo' aptly titled 'Three ways to tie a scarf'. Now if you're anything like me your day goes a little like this: Miss alarm, jump/fall out of bed, haphazardly apply makeup, try to remember to brush teeth, maybe pick up an apple, sling coat over shoulders, grab scarf as I fly out the door, encircle it around my neck as many times as possible without strangling myself and hope not to lose it during my day. Despite how my tirade might make it sound, wearing a scarf is a hassle that I am more than prepared to put up with.

A scarf for me is like walking around with a socially acceptable blanket around my shoulders, I wouldn't be without it. Even in the warmer months, you'll often find me with a silk scarf loosely slung around my neck - sometimes jewellery just seems too much effort in the warmer months ya' know. 

(Mixing denim and plaid prints, all whilst staying fashionably warm. Yup, I didn't know it could be done either. Caroline De Maigret defies all yet again)

I'd definitely recommend checking out the aforementioned post, it's complete with handy pictorial instructions and just for added gumption here are a few pictures of other scarf wearers. 

I'd tell you guys to stay cool but it's probably more apt to say stay warm instead!

(Daria contradicts the advice of wrapping up in favour of exposed shoulders but at least her neck will be warm… 

Ashley on the other hand uses a chic silk scarf to keep her hair at bay - handy against the turbulent winds - all the while looking fashionably lady-like, a difficult thing whilst battling the elements.)

 (The scarf needn't be merely for practical use, it can also make a fantastic statement as the above left photo shows. 

And who says scarves need to be made out of the usual fabrics? Leather might not be the warmest but you'll definitely look like a bad ass.) 

 (I love this outfit! Flares and a technicolour coat! The icing on the cake is the larger than life scarf that completes the look by picking up the accent colour of the coats edging. 

Now I realise there is no scarf in this photograph but I couldn't resist including this. After all I imagine it to be very warm in there.) 

 (I'm carrying on the Olsen love from my previous post, but how could I leave the masters of layering out of this list? I swear discovering the blog Olsens Anonymous was definitely one of the highlights of this year so far! Mixing textures and prints, all the while looking the epitome of coziness.)

 (And lastly, I love this photo by Lust For Life's Olivia Lopez, using a blanket sized scarf to add an ease and sense of comfort to her outfit that is only amped up by her killer metal tipped boots.)

Ciao!

(Unless stated none of the above photos are my own, but I have tried to credit all those photos that I know the origin of.)

   

SO IT'S HARDLY NEWS

A quick google search of Mary-Kate and Ashley and you garner just a small glimpse into the media frenzy surrounding the two megastars. A brief synopsis of the sisters goes a little something like this: twins, child actors, movie stars, members of the elite 'young Hollywood' set, co-presidents of their film production company Dualstar, credited on the Forbes 'Celebrity 100' list, figure heads of their multi-million pound fashion empire, fashion designers, style icons… The list goes on and on. 

I know that much has been written about their fashion choices especially as they have matured, going from well dressed teens to bonafide fashion moguls. Despite their film star roots the sisters have been welcomed by the prestigious CFDA, receiving the award for womenswear designers of 2012 and most recently of all, Ashley being named as one of the board members.   

In a sea of Hollywood wannabes, all awash with blonde hair, sun kissed skin and the will to succeed in such a competitive industry, Mary-Kate and Ashley could quite easily have faded into obscurity. However, their innate style has made their transition from the tween set to fashion icons a remarkably smooth process. 

Despite their previous packaging as adorable twin sisters, Mary-Kate and Ashley have worked hard to establish themselves as individual young women. However it may still be difficult for some to tell the fashionable siblings apart. To aid in this 'spot the difference' I thought I'd do a quick breakdown of the sisters' individual fashion styles. 

MK is slightly more grungy in my opinion, being the epitome of 'shabby chic', or as it has not so kindly been termed, 'homeless chic'. Ashley on the other hand seems to stick to more classic styles and shapes, having what I would imagine is a wardrobe full of the most desirable basics. 

As the title would suggest, I'm not really contributing anything new to the discourse surrounding the infamous twosome. I'd merely like to express my appreciation for their impeccable style. So here's two thumbs up and a little collection of my all time favourite Olsen ensembles. You're welcome. 

(They do distressed denim like nobody else. IN. LOVE)

 (I'm majorly feeling the simplicity of these looks. Plus their glowy skin is to die.)

 (It's all about MK's kimono is this photo for me.)

 (Matching leather and waves. Perfect combo.)

 (There is no reason that your coat should hide your outfit. Ever. As these two prove, a good cover up can make an outfit.)

 (A lesson in the power and multi-purposeness of a good white tee.)

 (I. NEED. THIS. IN. MY. LIFE. Sigh)

 (Vintage tee + jewels = perfection)

 (Bright and short is not a look often seen on MK but it's a refreshing change. Bandage skirts are a definite go-to on those 'I have nothing to wear' days.)

 (Another coat I would literally sell a kidney for. Maybe not but you get my longing.)

 (Ashley showing the fashion panache of a white tee and a good pair of jeans.)

(And lastly I thought this was quite apt for the current weather conditions we're having.)

If you want more Olsen inspo then head on over to Olsensanonymous.blogspot.co.uk 

HAPPY SATURDAY!