Basking in the sun at 155 Bank Street, Rodarte’s Spring 2022 Ready-to-Wear collection made its debut this fashion week in a series of polished looks and designs. American designers and sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy seemed to embody a collection that presented itself as a business-meets-nightlife series of pieces.

At the start of the show, models walked through the courtyard-turned runway surrounded by statues and cacti in giant pots in a menagerie of black and white outfits, ranging from floor-length gowns with various cut-outs to mini-dresses and blazers with patterns and ruffles.

A simple color palette of black and whites, pale yellows, bright orange and pinks, the hues of the collection brought comfort, with pops of fuschia and aquamarine every now and then. 

Textures of the collection also shone brightly, with see-through lacy slip dresses in a variety of colors, beaded floral decals on dresses and blazers and glittering dresses completely adorned with fringe.

The outdoor location allowed the weather to be a factor in the show, as the wind billowed dresses and skirts showing off the silky wave-like texture of garments. Large-flowing capes stood out, puffing out behind the model, fully encapsulating them in a bubbled form.

Draping sleeves and capes proved to be a notable feature of the collection, taking form on dresses and jackets, in neutral colors or pastels and topped with mushroom motifs.

Some models sported intricate face makeup with sunbursts atop their forehead or around their eyes, signaling a contrast to the easy ambience of the collection.

To end the show, each model walked out in the same calf-length dress, with a high neck and batwing sleeves while wearing a simple gold chain. The models were barefoot, and the dresses varied in color, starting with a stark white, and eventually blending in cream, beige, tan, yellow, pink, peach and orange. The final model wore a floor-length lilac gown with puffed sleeves, holding a simple potted plant, bringing the show together in an ethereal finish.