Fashion and the Force at the ROM:
Star Wars™ Gowns from Rodarte on Display
Gowns inspired by a galaxy far, far away…: Rodarte Fall / Winter 2014
On Level 4 in the ROM’s Roloff Beny Gallery until January 24, 2016
TORONTO, January 18, 2016 – As part of Planet ROM for the Holidays, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) brought visitors on a journey through space and fashion with the display of three of Rodarte’s Star Wars™ themed gowns. Enjoyed by visitors of all ages, the display of the gowns has been extended until January 24, 2016. In 2005, Kate and Laura Mulleavy founded Rodarte, a luxury brand instantly lauded for its distinctly innovative design concepts and intricate textile innovations, artistically mixing high couture, California influences, and explorations into other art forms.
"Laura and Kate Mulleavy of Rodarte are the quintessential wacky chicks - they have a passion and understanding for pop culture and its relevance that allows them to create collections that are truly original. One is always transfixed watching a Rodarte runway show, the FW14 collection was no exception - it was a rebirth of sorts for them. When the Star Wars™ gowns emerged at the end, the energy changed, there was a sense of ebullition as well as one of being slightly perplexed at the choice, at seeing these iconic images presented in this way, and then came the applause. The force ultimately wins," Nicholas Mellamphy, Vice President and Buying Director, The Room and Personal Shopping, Hudson's Bay.
The gowns at the ROM include:
- Yoda on Dagobah themed printed silk charmeuse gown with silk chiffon and Swarovski crystals (Look 37)
- Death Star themed printed silk charmeuse gown with black silk velvet and Swarovski crystals (Look 33)
- C-3PO and R2-D2 on Tatooine themed printed silk charmeuse gown with Swarovski crystals (Look 36)
"These are fantastic, digitally-printed designs that only the Rodarte sisters could come up with - they are a modern rendering of their childhood memories blended with their adult, feminine aesthetics into glamourous and beautifully made evening wear. I am absolutely thrilled they will become part of the ROM's permanent collection," Dr. Alexandra Palmer, Nora E. Vaughan Senior Curator, Textiles & Costume, Royal Ontario Museum.
Special thanks to Nicholas Mellamphy for the generous loan of the Star Wars™ gowns, pending gift to ROM.
Media Contact
Jesika Arseneau, Publicist
416.586.5558
jesikaa@rom.on.ca
STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. © & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.