Hasta La Ideas

Rodarte’s upcycled bag for Opening Ceremony channels free-spirited style

From tutus for Black Swan to fine fabrics for furniture maker Knoll, Rodarte‘s Mulleavy sisters often lend their design talents to those seeking their virtuosic ability to cut and paste style references. Their Cylinder Belt Bag for Opening Ceremony, from the first collection in their collaborative line, sees the L.A.-based duo turn a new corner with a sturdy handbag crafted from vintage leather belts.

The upcycled purse extends Rodarte’s latest spring collection for their eponymous label, which drew on their Northern California roots. With Redwoods and and the ’70s in mind, the bag—along with other items like a “Tom Petty” hat and leather lace-up shorts—shows how even with a simple concept, they rework a style to keep it cutting-edge.

Made in Japan, the purse features a buckle closure and adjustable strap, comes in black or brown leather, and sells for $750 from Opening Ceremony or Barneys (black only).

Those in L.A. can check out Rodarte’s fashion-forward perspective in person at the MoCA exhibit “States of Matter,,” on view through 5 June 2011.