Lessons from Rodarte

Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte. I like the name of the brand and the way it represents today's new generation of ultra cool designers without heritage (think Gucci, Dior, Givenchy) that can get away with high price tag for their products (others being Proenza Schouler, Alexander Wang, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Thakoon, Jason Wu).

But I especially like them because they are not pretentious. At least, they don't seem to be with their dressing. In most cases, people who don't know Rodarte would be surprised when told that these two seemingly un-fashionably garbed sisters are designers who are very much respected and supported by the fashion industry, including editors like Anna Wintour herself. Of course they make really weird stuff/prints/mish mesh/socks with holes which get the buzz going.

How many times have I seen people trying too hard to look cool just because they are in the fashion industry and they must match up to the general opinion of how a fashion oriented person should wear/look like. They either look very elegant or grunge, dressed to the nines, plastered with statement accessories, etc etc.
Rodarte sisters just look like two sensible minded librarians who could make awesome clothes.Comfort over style for them. So what.

Not to mention they make/collaborate with other shoe designers to consistently create cool shoes too.

 Images from Vogue Italia

In a sea of designers/fashion bloggers who sometimes try too hard to look cool (even I am ashamed sometimes I think too hard and pile on the unnecessary accessories just to match up to expectations), I'd say the Mulleavy sisters are the real rock stars. Bottom line is, never judge a book by its cover. The nerd sitting next to you may be very very creative and could be the next big thing in fashion. And the pierced, tattooed, punk head could be really good in finance and accounting.

Who's to know, right?