For more updates about the The BoF 500 subscribe to the Daily Digest newsletter

For more updates about the The BoF 500 subscribe to the Daily Digest newsletter

{alt missing} Todd Cole

Kate Mulleavy & Laura Mulleavy

Designers, Rodarte

The sisters have earned critical acclaim for their intricate, costume-like collections, inspired by the art world and their California base.

Biography

Kate and Laura Mulleavy are the Los Angeles-based duo behind fashion brand Rodarte, which they debuted to critical acclaim in 2005. They have been honoured with the CFDA’s Emerging Womenswear Designer award and the Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation Award, among other accolades.

The Mulleavys began designing on their parents’ kitchen table in Pasadena, California, where, with no formal training, they started to develop their ethereal, conceptual womenswear. The pair, who employ couture-like techniques, have come under fire for not considering the commercial aspects of their work, but told Time magazine, “We are very artistic. We’ll always take the artistic choice over the non-artistic decision. But everyday you’re dealing with the business side — it’s never removed. There’s no bubble you can live in and act like you can do this without running a business."

With an eye for dramatic creations that blur the line between fashion and art, they have created costumes for Oscar Academy Award-winning film "Black Swan" (2010) and various opera productions. They have also staged several exhibitions at sites including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and designed for Target.

Career

Rodarte

Rodarte

Designers

2005 - Present

New York, United States

Education

University of California Berkeley

University of California Berkeley

Vital Statistics

Nationality

United States

Location
United States
Member since
2013

Similar Profiles

Sally Singer

Head of Fashion Direction, Amazon

Carol Lim & Humberto Leon

Founders & Designers, Opening Ceremony

Kym Ellery

Creative Director and CEO, Ellery

Thakoon Panichgul

Designer, Thakoon


What is The BoF 500?

The people shaping the global fashion industry, curated by the editors of The Business of Fashion, based on nominations and on-the-ground intelligence from around the world.