Without formal training but armed with determination, charm, and great ideas you reach your dreams.



Sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy new Rodarte line is full of nostalgia capturing the feel of the 1930s in America. It was only last year that sisters Kate and Laura decided to launch their own label Rodarte. They were determined to cut no corners using only the most expensive fabrics.

Rodarte is based on the strong American spirit. Fashion icons such as Carole Lombard were inspirational to their designs. The Rodarte line can be found at Mix in Houston and Kirna Zaberte in New York.

26 year old Kate and 24 year old Laura both graduated from Berkeley. Neither has any formal fashion training, only a passion for the history of the past. Both have always had an interest in designing clothing.

Rodarte is named after their Grandfather a Zacatecan coal miner who immigrated to America during the Mexican Revolution. The family's linage is very important to both girls. They are also very close to each other which is why they make such a great team.

These inseparable sisters have been in business a very short period of time when they got a break. The Mulleavy sisters introduced their small collection of silk dresses adorned with peacock feathers and Italian-wool evening coats.

Their collections were as aesthetically pleasing as the works of famous designers such as Calvin Klein. They certainly were the most talked about.

Kate and Laura wrote a letter to vintage guru Cameron Silver charming him with their 10 piece Rodarte collection. He invited them to set up shop during L.A. Fashion Week at Decades.

Even without formal training, it is very apparent that this sister act has a sense of style and design as their small Rodarte collection quickly gains momentum.

Their line will soon be found in some of the countries best boutiques. LA's Satine, Houston's Mix, Chicago's Ikram, New York's Kirna Zabette. They've even managed a private showing for Vogue's Anna Wintour.

The collection ranges from $1300 to $2000 in price. It's themed around the romantic west, nature, and their personal family linage. Their black wool crepe bodice dress is an all time favorite. Made from strips of stiff fabric resembling tree trunks, with a delicate flowing skirt.

The Earhart coat is a one pocket trench coat, and their military coat is black double faced wool accented with a thin row of pheasant feathers. How much closer to nature can you get?

Their fast growing recognition has people wondering who they know. The reality is they haven't made their debut because of who they know. They've come to be on talent and the goodwill of the fashion industry.

Their current collection is exactly what stylish women want to wear. Their talent is excellent, there genuine about wanting to design and their personalities are drawing.

It will be interesting to see where these girls are in a few years.