By Jessica Ye (Jessica Yap)
Fashion has always had its muses. This time, they’re wearing oversized eyes, glossy lips and platform shoes.
For 25 years, Bratz has borrowed from fashion without asking for permission. Couture gowns, dramatic silhouettes, impossible heels… the dolls have never pretended to play by the rules. That’s exactly why Rodarte feels like such a satisfying next chapter.
The Los Angeles label, celebrated for its romantic, dreamlike collections, has stepped into the Bratz universe with a limited-edition collaboration starring Cloe and Sasha. If there were ever two dolls made for Rodarte’s world of flowers, fantasy and beautifully eccentric glamour, it’s these two.
Rather than reinventing Bratz, Kate and Laura Mulleavy dress the dolls the way only Rodarte can. Cloe arrives in an ivory satin gown with voluminous sleeves, blue floral appliqués and a sweeping sky-blue train, finished with a floral headpiece and veil that feels equal parts fairy tale and couture runway. Sasha takes the darker route in shimmering violet and black, layered with metallic embroidery, lace, puff sleeves and delicate fairy wings.
The result never feels like costume. It feels like Rodarte, just scaled down.
That’s probably what makes the collaboration so much fun. Neither brand has to compromise. Bratz keeps its attitude. Rodarte keeps its unmistakable romance. Somewhere in the middle, they create dolls that feel destined to end up in both fashion collections and display cabinets.
The fantasy doesn’t end there. Rodarte is also releasing a limited-edition apparel capsule inspired by the collaboration, featuring baby tees, a graphic T-shirt and a crewneck sweatshirt. It’s an easy way for fans to take a little piece of the Bratz world home without needing shelf space.
Bratz has always occupied an unusual place in fashion. Long before luxury brands embraced collectibles, the dolls were introducing young fans to statement dressing, fearless styling and the idea that getting dressed should be expressive, a little theatrical and never boring. Fashion didn’t arrive late to Bratz. It was there from the very beginning.
Perhaps that’s why collaborations like this continue to feel exciting. They aren’t about chasing relevance. They remind us that Bratz has quietly been part of the fashion conversation all along.
The Bratz x Rodarte collector dolls launch exclusively on Bratz from July 6 before arriving at Selfridges in August. Rodarte’s accompanying apparel collection will also be available from July 6.
