The Summer of Love anthem « San Francisco » where singer Scott McKenzie suggests that you « be sure to wear some flowers in your hair » flickered in the mind while watching the latest Rodarte show unfold on Tuesday afternoon.
The models walked a catwalk covered in piles of concrete rubble with blooms breaking through the cement. It spoke of the resilience of nature and how it will always triumph in the long run. The colorful floral set was also echoed in the fresh orchids that were woven into crowns and earrings worn by the models. The combination made for stirring imagery and created a darkly romantic atmosphere.
Evocative images are what designer sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy are currently incredibly focused on. The pair just wrapped their directorial debut. While making this collection, they were concurrently filming the movie — which they also wrote — and it is in post production. Called Woodshock it stars Kristen Dunst who was sitting in the front row of the show.
It comes as no surprise then that the pair looked to their beloved California and in particular the Art Nouveau revival seen in « The City by the Bay » during the 70s, which was used to create music posters for concerts that took place at the famous Fillmore venue.
In the hands of these two unique artists, that starting point led to a collection that was both feminine and fierce, thanks in no small part to the endless blending of leather, lace and ruffles with sequins. Each outfit was a testament to the strong will these sisters have to stay true to their craft and their aesthetic.
These two women are not wallflowers and they never will be. The fashion world, and soon Hollywood, are all the richer for it.