Rodarte CDFA interview (2006)

The label is just three seasons old, but people who love well-made clothes love Rodarte. Sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy talk about their own passions—among them, Brancusi, Patti Smith, and Opium perfume.

How would you describe your clothes?
Refined, thoughtful, light—and intelligently designed.

What was your big breakthrough?
Sarah Lerfel asking us to do the windows at Colette during the couture shows.

What was your first fashion moment?
Our mother sprinkled the bedsheets with Opium perfume.

What is the best trend of all time?
Schiaparelli's skeleton sweaters. It's been our lifelong mission to find one.

What is the best trend of spring 2007?
Kate: A charming wit in some of the collections.
Laura: And lightness.

What's the worst fashion faux pas?
Caring too much about one's style.

What was yours?
Simplicity.

Who would you like to dress that you haven't yet?
Joan Didion and Maggie Cheung.

What is your greatest inspiration?
Brancusi.

Chanel or elsa schiaparelli? and why?
Both. One doesn't have the same impact without the other.

Ultimate muse?
Patti Smith.

In what specific areas of business would you invest the $200,000 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award?
Equipment for production, studio, employees.

If you didn't need the money for business, what would you do with it?
Travel everywhere.