Rodarte releases a new Bernini-inspired collection

Laura and Kate Mulleavy, the sisters behind Rodarte have released a new line deeply inspired by the work of Baroque sculptor Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini. They unveiled 10 of their new couture gowns at Pitti W, a fashion trade show in Los Angeles, a preview to the upcoming Rodarte, Catherine Opie, Alec Sloth.

The Mulleavy's cited Bernini's The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa as inspiration. Bernini's sculpture depicts Saint Teresa reaching the point of contact between heaven and earth. The influence is obvious. In the scuplture, Saint Teresa and the angel are both wearing long, flowing, draped Roman garments and the Mulleavy's new collection features much of the same. The floor-length gowns are draped to hug the curves of a romanesque figure and different color fabircs are layered and woven together to achieve the wrapped and tied look of a Roman toga.

The Mulleavys said they were also influence by other art from Florence like Renaissance painter Fra Angelico's frescoes.

Laura and I have been deeply inspired by Florence and its artistic legacy, Kate Mulleavy explained in a statement. We have spent countless hours dreaming of the poetic city, every detail magnified by our own curiosity and imagination.

The collectionis made from bright color taffeta, organza, silk georgette and tulle in aqua, white, pistchio, mauve and lavender. The sisters also uses feathers and 30,000 Swarovski crystals. The pieces will go on display at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

[Source: Art Info]