Rodarte Pitti Immagine Collection

Pitti went all US crazy this year, inviting Scott Sternberg's Band of Outsiders and, for the coveted special Pitti-comissioned capsule collection, the Los Angeles-based design duo Rodarte. Kate and Laura Mulleavy took over a disused factory building in central Florence, installed ten couture gowns and let the select crowd in last evening to admire their work. If you weren't there, and happen to be in LA later on this year, you can see the collection at Los Angeles County Museum of Art where the pieces will live on after Pitti. The art connection made sense.

The sister's were heavily influenced the Florentian art history and the religous undertones to Italian culture in general. Looking towards Fra Angelico's frescoes and Bernini's paint work, Rodarte worked with light pastel colours, such as pink, melon, aqua, pistachio, lavender and off white, to create the floor length dresses. There were, of course, golden armour embrodieries and a waist focused silhoutte, often dresses accersoriesed with feathers and pleated fabrics. The dark and run down venue was lit up by fluorescent tubes - made in collaboration with Alexandre de Betak and Bureau Betak - and the contrast made for a beautiful experience, both artistically and sartorially.

Dazed Digital: How would you define the relationship between art and fashion?
Rodarte: For us, fashion is an artistic process, it's about challenging ideas. Sometimes the most wearable pieces are the most creative, and vice versa.

DD: How did you learn about fashion and cotoure growing up?
Rodarte: Through growing up with Hollywood films!

DD: Do the films still inspire you?
Rodarte: Yes, but not what they wear. More what they make you feel like.

DD: You also always seem inspired by where you grew up?
Rodarte: Landscapes, sometimes in films, but often where we have spent time, is an influence, yes.

DD: Will this collection relate to your S/S12 show?
Rodarte: They are completly different. This one is specific to what we love about this city and its art.

DD: Are you happy to have the chance to show in Florence?
Rodarte: Yes, it's the epicentre of fashion so to show here is an honour.  

Photos by Autumn de Wilde