california dreamin’

Today is just a lazy Sunday, perfect for reading magazines (I’m so excited that my Vanity Fair finally came in!) and basking in the warm spring sunlight. Earlier this month I picked up the newest copy of A MAGAZINE, a biannual periodical that chooses a fashion designer or house as a guest curator for each issue, with Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte at the creative helm.

The Los Angeles-based sisters dedicated their special volume to the Golden State, featuring past inspirations, the work of fellow contemporary artists, and their own creations on it girls Elle Fanning and Kirsten Dunst. A MAGAZINE curated by RODARTE is, in a sense, a love letter to the home state they know and love, and as a California native I’m happy to say that it definitely does not disappoint.

On a similar note, I recently came upon Rodarte’s film collaboration with Todd Cole, which resulted in a beautiful short showcasing the design duo’s Spring 2011 collection. Once again, Elle Fanning takes center stage and wistfully wanders around a deserted property in romantic dresses, youthful jumpsuits, and glamorous golden makeup. I think Fanning is a perfect muse for Rodarte’s feminine, forward-thinking aesthetic, and I’m quite taken with the Mulleavy’s obvious devotion to their craft and their approach to fashion as art.