Designing sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy will be bringing their ethereal sensibility to a wider world when Target introduces Rodarte in December as part of its Go International series of limited collections. I am surprised by the news considering Rodarte apparel comes with four-figure price tags and is coveted by Hollywood’s fashionably elite such as Natalie Portman, Keira Knightley, and Reese Witherspoon. Can they make it work for mass market?  Target thinks they can and said, “We will introduce Rodarte’s design aesthetic to a much broader audience.”

Rodarte, which is known for evening clothes, is known for tremendous attention to detail and Target promises their Go collection will reflect this. But who cares about those technicalities? Rodarte’s making clothes we can actually dream of owning! A Target spokesman told WWD: “What you’ll notice is an amazing eye for detail,” said Joshua Thomas, a Target spokesman. “It’s very feminine, yet very modern. The collection incorporates a rich mix of patterns and fabrications and everything from sequins and bows to faux fur. The key with Rodarte is layering.” …Rodarte, which is known for evening clothes, designed “a variety of great holiday dresses,” Thomas said. “There are stand-alone pieces and pieces that can be worn together to create an ensemble by layering different patterns, textures and prints.”

Rodarte designers Kate and Laura Mulleavy haven’t commented on the collaboration, but in this economy those $3,000 knits can’t be flying off the shelves. Target’s Go series features up-and-coming designers and past collaborations include Thakoon, Erin Fetherston, Rogan, and Tracy Feith while the Designer Collaboration series is for established designers like Alexander McQueen and Anna Sui.

The Target line, comprised of 55 pieces, will range from $9.99 for knee-highs to $79.99 for a leopard-print jacket. The line will launch at most Target stores and on Target.com on December 20 and be available through February 6.

The 55-piece Rodarte line for Go International will launch at most Target stores nationwide and on target.com on Dec. 20, and will be available through Feb. 6. While it may be hard to imagine translating Rodarte’s hand-wrought designs for the mass market, Target claims to have stayed true to the spirit of the luxury-priced label.

Sister design duo Kate and Laura Mulleavy scooped the highly prestigious Womenswear Designer of the Year Award at the CFDA awards in June. The duo is making a statement in the fashion industry with their ethereal clothing line dedicated to delicateness and details. After graduating from UC Berkeley in 2001, the Mulleavy sisters returned to their Pasadena home to work on their clothing line, Rodarte [pronounced ro-DAR-tay].

Since the brand’s entrance in 2005, Rodarte has become a part of the crème de la crème of forward fashion. Celebrity style icons like Cate Blanchett, Keira Knightley, Kirsten Dunst, Emma Watson, Natalie Portman and others have worn Rodarte to galas, award shows, and movie premieres.