Rodarte have long battled with the crux of making their exquisite demi-Couture creations into commercial wearable designs. This was the season where Rodarte faced their fears and created a collection that was more subtly beautiful, adaptable and understated than designs the duo have previously proffered. The result may have left some a little underwhelmed at first; however delicate design features hinted at their creativity and boundary pushing - clusters of stars framed tussled waves of hair, layers of sand filled perspex heels of towering heels and sun flushed sand coloured make up emphasised the earthy elements of the collection. On first look at the collection I immediately thought "ethnic 1940s vibes" upon hearing this seasons designs were inspired by Australia the prim and proper nipped in waists and tea dresses matched with navajo patterns and natural fabrics such as shearling and wool captured the juxtaposing history of both aboriginal and colonial Australia. In a show where George Lucas was in the audience, Rodarte definitely didn't abandon their usual nods to cinematic inceptions - dresses decorated in repeated hand prints were reminiscent of the infamous back of the car 'Titanic' scene, Prairie dresses hinted that their obsession with Terrence Malick hasn't subsided just yet and their were leather aviator jackets and warm palleted collared dresses reminiscent of 2004's success film 'The Aviator'. Figure hugging detailed leather shift dresses were made for Chloe Sevigny, whilst the patterned tea dresses would be perfect for Carey Mulligan or Michelle Williams. The colours were warming, delicate hues reflecting sand dunes and Aborginal cave drawing patterns brought together to add an original twist on traditional designs. The show was like a splash of sun, warming and comforting. For a country now famed for its celebratory and casual lifestyle Rodarte couldn't have picked a better homage for their first true wholly ready to wear collection.
