Rodarte 2011 Runway Embroidered Tulle Wood Dress

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.

True to their typical whimsical fashion, the Mulleavy sisters cited Redwood trees and the natural beauty of the Northern California landscape as the inspiration for their youthful 2011 Spring/Summer collection. As seen on that season’s runway, this gorgeous dress is a confection of color and texture that evokes fairytales of woodland nymphs and tree spirits. The sleeveless design begins with a high neckline and a sheer tulle bodice that is hand embroidered with a beautiful leaf-like motif in shades of brown and bronze. The embroidery is strategically placed throughout and forms beautiful mandala shapes at the neckline, bust, and waist that accentuate the natural lines of the body.

Size: 8 US / 38 FR

Size estimate: Medium

Measurements:

Bust: 36 inches

Waist: 30 inches

Hips: 36 inches

Length: 38 inches

The asymmetric silk overskirt is gathered and draped to perfection and features a woodgrain print in shades of brown, cream, white, and black. It falls from an embroidered drop waist to a mini length above the knee, revealing a dainty cream lace underlayer that adds yet another note of elegance. Slits at the center front and back of the lace skirt allow for greater ease of movement while complementing the tulip-shaped overskirt, which adds volume and drama to the otherwise columnar silhouette of the dress. A breathtaking addition to the discerning fashion lover’s wardrobe, this Rodarte dress is the perfect choice for a garden party, wedding, or special occasion, and is sure to turn heads for many years to come.

This beautiful Rodarte dress is unlined and has a back zip closure. In excellent condition, it has been professionally eco dry cleaned and pressed. A version of this dress was photographed on Dorthea Barth for the February 2011 issue of Harper’s Bazaar, as can be seen in the featured images. 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.