Commodified Life

Rodarte’s Fall 2010 Collection, by Kate and Laura Mulleavy, was ‘inspired’ by Ciudad Juarez’s maquiladoras and the women working in them. Based on the idea of ‘sleepwalking,’ it has been said that the Mulleavy sisters were attempting to make a commentary on the harsh realities of Juarez; however, much of this is lost. The fashion show that introduced their collection was described as ‘romantic’ and reminiscent of an ‘enchanted forest’.  In collaboration with Rodarte, M.A.C. makeup has also released a line of cosmetics that are ‘maquiladora-inspired’.  With such names as lipsticks called “Ghost Town” and “Sleepless”; lipglass called “del Norte”; eyeshadow called “Bordertown”; and nail polish called “Factory” and “Juarez” the M.A.C. Rodarte Collection falls short of ‘inspiring’.

Since the collection’s release in September 2010 M.A.C. has received significant criticism and as such announced that the collection has been suspended and will not be available for purchase from M.A.C. Alongside M.A.C.’s response to the criticism, they have also announced a commitment to donate some of its projected profits from the collection to the people of Juarez (see articles below).

Check out the Rodarte Fashion Show, and commentaries on Rodarte’s and M.A.C.’s attempt to make maquiladoras the new chic for this year’s Fall/Winter collection:

Rodarte – Fall Winter 2010/2011 Full Fashion Show on YouTube

Blog – Threadbared – linkages-maquiladoras-enchant-rodarte-and-fashion-pretends-technology-is-not-its-friend

Blog – Oh! Industry: Pop Culture + Media + Fashion – maquiladoras-are-in-for-fall.html

Article – “MAC, Rodarte Say Sorry for Juarez-Inspired Makeup” by Julianne Hing – http://colorlines.com/archives/2010/07/rodartes_unfortunate_line_of_juarez-inspired_cosmetics.html

Post – “MAC Rodarte Collection to Be Pulled” – mac-rodarte-collection-to-be-pulled