Rodarte's Black Swan Costume Fantasy

Black Swan, the dark, ballet thriller by Darren Aronofsky opened Friday.  In fashion, all of the buzz has been going to the Mulleavy sisters of Rodarte.  They designed the edgy, Goth-chic costumes for the stylish movie.  The theme of "duality" played out on stage and off.  

For Prince Siegfried's character, the designers were inspired by mechanical birds.  The costume is vividly detailed with floral embroidered cheesecloth and distressed velvet.  Odette's costume is a constructed pancake shaped tutu.  It was embellished with white angora wool to emulate branches growing up the skirt.  

This may be the first film for Kate and Laura Mulleavy, but the designers have previous found horror and ballet to be muses for their collection.  

Photos Fox Searchlight, Sketches by Kate Mulleavy

Rodarte Collaborates on M.A.C. Cosmetics and Ballet

Fans of Gothic, artistic fashion line Rodarte can now get the look without the high price tag. The dark designers have collaborated with popular cosmetics line M.A.C. for a collection to debut this Fall.

The promotional images have an undead quality about them. Names for the items include "Ghosttown". However, major controversy ensued when bloggers read other names like "Juarez" and "Factory" were part of the line. The references to Mexico were inspired by a road trip by the Mulleavy sisters. Unfortunately, many took it as a reference to Cuidad, Juarez, a site more known for unchecked femicide.

Both the designers and the cosmetics firm have issued statements of apology. They have also pledged to donate portions of the proceeds to those in need in Juarez.

The multi-tasking designers also designed 40 costumes for the Darren Aronofsky ("The Wrestler") film The Black Swan. The sexy movie stars Natalie Portman as a dancer in the title role.

Photos from Hintmag and USAtoday


UPDATE! 8/17/10: MAC Cosmetics has decided to cancel this collection altogether due to the controversy!  Wow, never underestimate the power of blogging.  NY Magazine's Cut Blog has a humorous response warning of other potentially offensive nail polish names...