WWD: Please sum up the state of American fashion as you see it.
Laura and Kate Mulleavy: It feels like it is in flux. That could be something really positive for its future, because periods of transition can lead to periods of flourish.
We are outliers in some ways in the American fashion community because our work is not typical sportswear or streetwear. Our retrospective in Washington, D.C., this fall will really show that, as well as the dresses we have on display right now at the Met [Metropolitan Museum of Art]. We really believe that voices like ours who celebrate risk-taking design, dressmaking, couture fabrics and techniques and independent business are important in America.
WWD: What are American fashion’s strengths? Its weaknesses?
L.M. and K.M.: Being a part of the industry here has taught us how to clarify and convey the messages we want to send as a brand, and as a result, we have a very clear vision. The feeling of independence and freedom in America also has enabled us to continue expanding the ways we work as creatives, whether it be in filmmaking, writing or other areas of design and business. It has provided us a platform to be bold and to be fearless.
But with Rodarte we have also been heavily
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