The Rodarte: Fra Angelico Collection is filled with exquisite fashion inspired by Italian frescoes, which are colorful mural paintings that originated from the ancient world and continued to be popular through to the Renaissance. In particular, fashion designers and sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy were inspired by early Italian Renaissance artist Fra Angelico, hence the name of the collection, as well as the Baroque sculpture 'Ecstasy of Saint Teresa' that was carved by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
Comprised of ten stunning dresses, the Rodarte: Fra Angelico Collection is currently on display at the L.A. County Museum of Art Italian Renaissance gallery. Surrounded by true Italian masterpieces, the gowns are suspended from invisible wires throughout the space.
According to the designers, "Color really guided us for [the Rodarte: Fra Angelico Collection]. We usually work with the idea of who is going to wear or buy something. But this was an opportunity to do something just to make it."
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Fashion Inspired by Art
- The intersection of fashion and art continues to inspire designers to create unique and innovative collections that blur the line between traditional mediums.
- Museum-inspired Fashion Collections
- Designers are drawing inspiration from museum exhibitions and collections, creating fashion pieces that are not only beautiful but also tell a story and connect to a larger cultural context.
- Renaissance Prints in Fashion
- The use of Renaissance art prints in fashion is a trend that is gaining popularity as designers seek to infuse their collections with a sense of history and sophistication.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Fashion
- The fashion industry has an opportunity to expand beyond aesthetic beauty, by creating collections that connect with the cultural zeitgeist.
- Museums and Galleries
- Museums and galleries have the opportunity to explore new avenues of collaboration with fashion designers, by showcasing collections that draw inspiration from their extensive archives.
- Textile Industry
- The textile industry has an opportunity to create high-quality fabrics and prints that capture the essence of historical art movements, appealing to fashion designers and art enthusiasts alike.
