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Rodarte is a relative newcover to the fashion world, but one that has made a huge impression.  After their debut in 2005, Kate & Laura Mulleavy, the two sisters behind the line, landed a Women’s Wear Daily cover as well as a meeting with Vogue editrix Anna Wintour.  They won the CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year award in June, & the CFDA Swarovski Award for Womenswear last year.  Rodarte is known for its ethereality, sublimely sophisticated palettes & uber-embellishments — which is why so many people were surprised to hear that they had inked a deal to design a capsule collection for Target’s Go International.

But is it really that shocking? After all, the sisters have previously collaborated with Gap — along with Doo-Ri & Thakoon, also up-&-coming American designers — on a limited edition collection called Gap Design Editions.  The Gap pieces, which included a sleeveless trapeze top, a trapeze mini-dress with front pockets & bows, & a sleeveless blouse embellished with bows around the neck, sold out almost immediately.  With prices ranging from $68 to $88, it’s a little wonder: most Rodarte gowns sell for at least $10,000 which effectively prices out the vast majority of consumers!

At least they’re in excellent company:  Luella Bartley, Proenza Schouler, Alexander McQeen & Erin Fetherston are among the other high-profile designers who have collaborated with Target to bring more wearable versions of their luxurious clothing to the general public.

What’s the collection likely to look like?  No one really knows, though if their past two seasons are anything to go by, a pared-down version of their usual dream warrior aesthetic is likely.  The sisters have proven themselves to be fans of intricate layering, this belts, elegant asymmetric cuts, mixing fabrics, & braided details.  How their look translates to a cheaper price point is yet to be seen.

No photos have been released by Target, so if you’ve seen any well-dressed girls with blue faces lately (who don’t resemble Violet Beauregarde), you’ll know it’s because she’s holding her breath, waiting.

Rodarte for Go International & Target will be sold from December 20o9.

Words by Gala Darling, photos from Style.com

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