Review of Rodarte Fall 2023 Fashion Show
Gothic Fairies
By Obi Anyanwu
Netflix series ‘Wednesday’ ran much of the pop culture news cycle last Fall. Though the show missed Halloween weekend, it extended the darkness of Hallow’s Eve well into Thanksgiving. Actress Jenna Ortega’s performance as Wednesday, and the show set platform records shortly after its release, and perhaps Wednesday impacted more than just television after the Rodarte Fall/Winter 2023 show.
The Mulleavy’s wanted to tell a story of gothic fairies and, in doing so, formed a bridge between two ends of the mystical and mythical spectrum.
Attendees walked into a ballroom setting with every piece of furniture, décor and food glimmering in silver and crystal. Only the candles’ flames burned a different color.
And then, the opening look: a long, black gothic dress with black lipstick and eyeliner. The ensuing ensembles could go for Wednesday Addams cosplay or a ‘gothic realness’ category at the ball, but it soon ventured into a surreal show where crowns adorn a few models to transition to a new segment.
A silver ensemble that matched the set felt less Morticia Addams, the true inspiration for the show’s makeup, and more Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland. Less Julia Fox and more Grimes. The Mulleavy’s wanted to tell a story of gothic fairies and, in doing so, formed a bridge between two ends of the mystical and mythical spectrum, showing the similarities in duality.
The duo’s color usage speaks to one’s hardened exterior and bright inner self.
The duo’s color usage speaks to one’s hardened exterior and bright inner self. Wearing all black outfits when out in public, but feeling truly vibrant inside. Hiding that vibrancy for themselves and the few that make it past that hardened exterior. Like a young person’s journey from their gothic, emo high school phase and enter adulthood more content with themselves and their lives. Maybe Wednesday will find her inner fairy in the Netflix series’ second season.