A few years ago, Rodarte was an unheard of brand, but since it’s inception in 2005, the name has become synonymous with luxury, wearable fashion. Designers Kate and Laura Mulleavy, less than two years apart in age, are not your average designers. Graduating from Berkeley, in the middle of hippie-town, with Art History and Literature as their respective studies, the two sisters moved back to their hometown of Pasadena to start the namesake line which would become the 2009 CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year Award Winner. Kate and Laura Mulleavy created their line in a city with not many fashion accolades, yet their knack for design and individual interests enmeshed in their designs quickly gained the interest of both national and international press, amongst others. In four short years, Rodarte has been seen on high profile celebrity trendsetters from Reese Witherspoon and Dita von Teese to Michelle Obama and Cate Blanchett, proving just how diverse their line’s following has become.

Stocked worldwide, Rodarte is ready to wear with a twist, showcasing muted colors with amazing attention to small details and the architecture of each garment, which is refined and unique. Pieces from Rodarte now sit permanently in the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, definitely not too bad for a four year old line designed by two girls that never even went to design school.

Pictured, Designers Kate and Laura Mulleavy.