Rodarte Celebrates its Latest Capsule Collection: by Neesha Arter for Vogue

Rodarte Celebrates its Latest Capsule Collection “Radarte” With a 1980s-Themed Extravaganza

BY NEESHA ARTER

Last night Angelenos came out to celebrate Rodarte’s capsule with Made and Mastercard at Milk Studios. The 1980s-themed bash displayed all five pieces (two T-shirts and three sweatshirts) from the collection dubbed “Radarte.” The limited-edition line features artwork by L.A.-based painter Mari Eastman, specifically her work from 2014-2018, and mishmashes Rodarte’s California-cool with an ’80s Stanger Things-esque nostalgia and cat-lady chic.

Of the collection, Laura Mulleavy (one half of Rodarte with her sister Kate) explained, “We thought this was the perfect opportunity to bring people together; we worked with Mari to find artwork that could tell a story. We loved the pieces she did with animals, so we pulled from them, and once we found the cats, we immediately thought of the ’80s. We always had dance parties with ’80s music, and it’s something that’s in our world. These pieces have a lot of things that remind you of your youth and make you feel happy to revisit.”

When it comes to Mastercard’s part of the collaboration, Kate and Laura were excited about the company’s commitment to female entrepreneurs and wanted to support a unique collaboration between three leading creatives.

As for the party, the crowd browsed the collection in the hanger of Milk Studios and enjoyed the roller skaters, a mini fashion show, and band performances. There was also a cotton-candy station and a mini-arcade filled with pinball machines.

Enjoying the retro revelry were guests including Hunter Schafer, Barbie Ferreira, and Rowan Blanchard. Also there was Nikki Reed, who spoke of the collaboration, “I always love to support fashion events that incorporate technology and a cause.... People are very interested in wearing things with a story.”

L.A.’s fashion-forward sipped cocktails and got a special performance from Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles (a welcomed blast from the past!) before dancing the night away to a DJ. The collection will be available August 2 exclusively at Fred Segal.

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