The Mulleavy Sisters as Fashion Designers
By Sher Matsen
If you’ve been following the fashion scene, by now you’ve most
likely heard the names Kate and Laura Mulleavy. New to the
fashion world and hitting it full force, these two young girls
are an inspiration for others. Without formal training but armed
with determination, charm, and great ideas you reach your
dreams. Sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy new Rodarte line is full
of nostalgia capturing the feel of the 1930s in America. It was
only last year that sisters Kate and Laura decided to launch
their own label Rodarte. They were determined to cut no corners
using only the most expensive fabrics. Rodarte is based on the
strong American spirit. Fashion icons such as Carole Lombard
were inspirational to their designs. The Rodarte line can be
found at Mix in Houston and Kirna Zaberte in New York. 26 year
old Kate and 24 year old Laura both graduated from Berkeley.
Neither has any formal fashion training, only a passion for the
history of the past. Both have always had an interest in
designing clothing. Rodarte is named after their Grandfather a
Zacatecan coal miner who immigrated to America during the
Mexican Revolution. The family’s linage is very important to
both girls. They are also very close to each other which is why
they make such a great team. These inseparable sisters have been
in business a very short period of time when they got a break.
The Mulleavy sisters introduced their small collection of silk
dresses adorned with peacock feathers and Italian-wool evening
coats. Their collections were as aesthetically pleasing as the
works