Have a look at Rodarte’s Van Gogh-inspired “Starry Night” and “Sunflowers” side-draped silk skirts, a concept orginally shown as gowns for the label’s Spring Summer 2012 runway show. In the form of a skirt, they  allow for all the imagination and fun of the high concept runway look in a more everyday wearable version. All are U.S. handmade, and while a total of three ”Sunflowers” skirts were produced Riccardi has the one and only “Starry Night” version. These iconic skirts are now available for $2,295 each. All images and copy by Joseph Morrissey.

See the “Sunflower” skirt on the next page.

U.K. designer J.W. Anderson’s artisanal irreverence has made his London Fashion Week
presentation one of the main events of the season. The two-arm skirt has almost become passé as the entry point for avant gaurd design- Comme, Yohji, Galliano, and Gautier have blazed that trail long before Anderson took his stab at the now iconic design. What is special about Anderson’s version is the label brings the look to a more modern and digestible arena with a slim silhouette and astonishing craftsmanship.  The leather chain mail additions are all made in-house, by hand in London. The results are stunning…odd and somewhat laid back.

On-trend pieces complete with raffia detail come out great when mixed with neoprene and tropical weight wool. A companion dress snaps through the center of a molded form that begged for the attached pleated skirt in the back. Blown up paisleys and other festive roadrunner prints serve to the comedy/humor of the clothing especially when paired with the accompanying trousers. All copy and images by Joseph Morrissey.

See more A.W. Anderson spring looks on the next page.

The Rodarte sisters have redefined what Americana might be with a trans-Pacific roadtrip from the Redwood Forests to the Ming Dynasty. After an incredible year of amazing reviews, Rodarte’s definitive spring summer 2011 collection is available for purchase if you’re lucky enough to acquire the handmade, museum quality pieces. The collection is a mixture of two strong concepts that soothe its audience with hourglass silhouettes fabricated in wood paneled silks, plaids or Ming ceramic prints. Signature loose gauge hand knit cardigans and lacetops remain a constant and favorite of the sisters and their growing list of admirers. All  available at Riccardi.