>> While guests sat in tinfoil-wrapped folding chairs, Laura and Kate Mulleavy sent out a collection that was living proof of their recent Swiss Textile Award; they were furnished with the financial ability to mix even more materials than before — leather, lace, metallics, Swarovski crystals, and of course those knits they're so well known for.

The inspiration was photographer Ari Marcopoulos, but when you get down to it, the collection is just another evolution of the Rodarte aesthetic that has been in place for a few seasons now: a collage of textured, hand-stitched, wearable art.  There weren't any long, flowy dresses this time, just short, semi-structured minidresses; that, combined with the iridescent fabrics used on some pieces is sure to draw some Balenciaga comparisons.  Nicholas Kirkwood contributed the shoes again, this time square-toed, leather strap-wrapped thigh-high boots, but it's still those knits that really get you — those loopy, nubby, arts-and-crafts knits.
*image: source