The Cooper-Hewitt Takes On Rodarte
By Michelle Snow
Whether it's your first take, a double take, or tenth take
at the fashion genius that is Rodarte, be sure to check out the upcoming
installation "Quicktake: Rodarte" at the Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt National
Design Museum, beginning February 11 and running through March 14. For some, it
will be a crash introduction to the unique creations that seem to spill out in
inspired bursts from this young and much-heralded house, helmed by sisters Kate
and Laura Mulleavy. For others, short of pulling a Tavi and endearing oneself
to the sisters via a precocious sensibility and wacky blogging style, it will
be a rare opportunity to ogle some truly amazing pieces that were previously
elusive for issues of proximity and, sadly, budget.
Thanks to the museum, a $15 general admission ticket will grant visitors a true feast for the eyes. The exhibition features a selection of pieces from the Rodarte collections that embody the eclectic sources of inspiration that inform the Mulleavy's work, from the assembly and disassembly of homes, California Condors, and Boris Karloff as Frankenstein, to land art and Japanese horror films. On ready display will be the ingenious craftsmanship and that has become synonymous with the Rodarte vision, the improbable materials, by turns whisper-light and industrially heavy within the same garment.
Sure, you won't be able to walk out wearing any signature
dresses, but you can certainly hold onto your mind-sketches and make do draping
your store-bought chiffon to your heart's content. Kind of like spending
hours in the gem room of the Natural History Museum, admiring nature's millions
of years' worth of work, and walking out of the gift shop with a crystal-making
kit of sugar and food coloring. But we'll take what we can get.
Rodarte is the second subject of a series of "Quicktake" installations "aimed at showing the public vital up-and-coming design from around the world." For more opportunities to see Rodarte in person, the line is part of the permanent collections of both the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Fashion Institute of Technology Museum in New York.
2 E. 91st St. at Fith Ave. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday, 12- 6 p.m. Feb. 11-Mar. 14.
Your Comment
Posted at 9:29 on Jan 26, 2010
Season after season, Rodarte sends the most beautifully creative lines down the runway. To see a few pieces that the Mulleavy sisters have designed themselves ..wow This collaboration with Kate and Laura Mulleavy will feature a selection of pieces from the Rodarte collections, as well as a special installation in the Billiard Room of the Carnegie Mansion.
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Andy
Posted at 11:05 on Jan 28, 2010
And there is a behind the scenes blog about the install on the CHNDM website! http://blog.cooperhewitt.org/