Rodarte Tie Dye Beaded Embroidered Silk Gown F/W 2013 Runway

Creating beautiful clothes that channel a certain fantastic dreaminess has long been Rodarte’s calling card. Rodarte’s designs are held in permanent collections at world-class museums including The Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Founded by sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy in 2005, Rodarte has been worn by many celebrities and icons including the likes of Tilda Swinton, Rihanna, and Rooney Mara.

The sisters notably designed several costumes for the Oscar-winning film Black Swan, and have won many prestigious awards including the Swiss Textiles Award, a CFDA, and a Domani Fashion Award. True to their typical whimsical fashion, the Mulleavy sisters imbued their 2013 Fall/Winter collection with a late 80s nostalgia. Inspired by their hometown of Santa Cruz, California, the collection has a distinct West coast vibe and featured an array of ethereal chiffon dresses, tulle-backed jumpsuits embroidered with angel wings, and acid-wash silks.

As seen as look number 26 on that season’s runway, this remarkable tie-dye gown is among the most memorable pieces from the collection. The sleeveless dress begins with a net shoulder strap and a dramatic, angular shawl collar made from black scuba fabric that wraps around the shoulders. The nude mesh bodice is embroidered with crimson roses that are adorned with hand-sewn blue, orange, red, and black crystal beads that double as glittering stamens.

Size: 0 fits like a 2

Measurements:

Bust: 32 inches

Waist: 28 - 30 inches

Hips: 34 inches

Length: 62 inches

The layered sheer silk and chiffon skirt falls from an angular drop waist to a maxi length at the ankles in long, asymmetric flounces that reveal and add volume to the columnar underskirt. The tie-dye chiffon underlayer is done in spirals of black, pale pink, white, and bright cerulean that lend the fabric a pleasing visual movement of its own. A phenomenal addition to the discerning fashion lover’s wardrobe, this beautiful gown is the perfect choice for a wedding, gala, or special occasion and can easily be styled with strappy heels and statement accessories.

This 2013 Rodarte gown is fully lined in beige silk and closes with a concealed back zip. In excellent condition, it has been professionally eco dry cleaned and pressed. High-quality vintage pieces like this are yours to live in and love while increasing in value every year. It’s never too soon to start collecting them, as an investment in your wardrobe—and in yourself.