Brand Collaboration
Rodarte
x
Universal Standard
By Hannah Rose Prendergast
Images courtesy of Universal Standard
Nobody does romanticism quite like Rodarte—a fact that was not lost on Alexandra Waldman and Polina Veksler of Universal Standard when it came to their latest collaboration. For Spring 2019, Universal Standard has partnered with designer sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte to showcase a more whimsical side to their mission. Amorously colored in black, white, red, and rose, the four-piece collection is comprised of a dress, a jumpsuit, a blouse, and a skirt. These wardrobe staples transition elegantly between workwear and eveningwear making the $150-$240 USD price tag well worth it.
Made from a luxe stretch georgette fabric and decorated with sheer chiffon ruffles, the collection is designed to hug curves comfortably. With adjustable details, including ruching and removable sashes that double as a belt or necktie, these pieces “feel as good as they look.” And rest assured that Rodarte has not been distilled, just reimagined using the ethos of Universal Standard and their expertise as a direct to consumer business.
Major points also go to the ‘desert cool’ ad campaign featuring the beautiful Enam Asiama and Tess McMillan. This imagery is especially powerful when you consider that women of all shapes and sizes have been led to believe that ‘fashion is a fantasy’ which does not include them.
Since it’s inception, Universal Standard have dedicated themselves to creating womenswear that doesn’t stop at a size 12. Ranging from a double zero to 4XL, the brand brings editorial vibes to a space that has long been neglected by the industry. So what happens when the diversity makers behind Universal Standard come together with Rodarte, the ultimate purveyor of pretty? They create their own fairytale. Rodarte x Universal Standard launched online and in Universal Standard’s Soho store earlier this month.