#NYFW: Pamella Roland Spring 2019

One expects and wants to see flowers in Spring fashion collections. Pamella Roland's Spring 2019 show did not disappoint. There were beautiful flower brocades in cheery yellow blooms made into jackets, cocktail dresses and gowns. The cheerful palette continued into embroidered feather fringe with beading, then swirling gowns of silk.
Other happy colors included rich fuschia pink and sky blue. There were gowns with masterful manipulations of fabric into ruffles and pleating. There were delicately embroidered florals of organic vines. This was the collection where Pamella Roland aspired to an Haute Couture look with the muse of her Bali travels to inspire the colors and lightweight fabrics.
On the other hand, her sleek, New York socialite on-the-move looks were still well represented. Think slim, tailored suits in bright colors. Sleek pencil skirt sheaths and fitted gowns with mermaid silhouettes. These were all ready for Real Housewives and other heiresses (Nicky Hilton) to wear to hit the red carpet, ( I counted four wives today).
This is glamor for the crowd who doesn't worry about what to wear to the office, because she doesn't really work for a living (maybe for fun). It must be nice.
Pamella Roland Spring 2019 had some of the most beautiful dresses I have seen from the designer in the many seasons I have followed the brand. I hope to wear one someday.

Photos by Mariana Leung

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Pamella Roland Resort 2018

Resort collections from Fashion designers. For many, that is the throwaway, smaller, simple collection after putting it all into fall and holiday. For Pamella Roland, she takes the opportunity to make it shine. Her presentation at the Bvlgari jewelry boutique in 57th store street was an opulent affair.

Many of her collections took exotic locales or prestigious artists as her muse. Resort 2018 was inspired by her own backyard. Delicate flowers like peonies, wisteriea, hydrangeas and lavender made their way into the collection in color palette or motifs.
Embroideries of trailing flowers, three dimensional fabric appliques, beaded fringe all added a rich texture to the luxury fabrics. Most of the looks clearly aimed for red carpet wear, either on celebrities like Vanessa Williams in attendance or the many socialites who are devoted fans.

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Pamella Roland Resort 2017

Resort style is about heading out to the sun. Pamella Roland's fashion show at the Bulgari store Wednesday night was presented as a ray of light. As a board member of the Whitney Museum, she took inspiration from contemporary American artists James Turrell and Spencer Finch. She had looked at both their use of color and sculptural shapes to act as a muse for her Resort 2017 collection.

There was an inner glow to the collection (helped by the lit floor). The long, flowing lines of the dresses as well as the simple, draped pleats served to elongate all of the body lines when worn.

The fabrics were light, luxurious and breezy. Crepe, silk faille organza served as the canvas to cut bugle beading. The embroidery ranged from long linear motifs of reflective beads to emulate rays of light or a build-up of beads in an ombre or degrade pattern like a three-dimensional glow. The color palette was a serene white, silver, rose quartz and serenity blue (Pantone's top colors for the year). There was also pale iris and richer blues and staple black as part of the mix. 

I asked designer Pamella Roland where her ideal "resort" destination was. Her collection here is much more formal than most resort collections. That and the elegant pairing of Bulgari jewelry looked like a black-tie holiday. She said she was headed to Capri, a perennial favorite of hers. If that's the case, that little island has a much stricter dress code than I thought. Roland's Resort 2017 collection was a beautiful presentation of eveningwear, and I only hope that my next vacation is worthy of it.

Check out Resort 2017 Looks to Inspire Your Next Getaway
by Ms. Fabulous at Mode

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#NYFW: Pamella Roland Spring 2016

How do you determine when art inspires fashion or the other way around?  Pamella Roland's spring 2016 collection was held at the new Whitney Museum of American Art. The lines and colors I experienced on my way into the show all seemed to be reflected in the fashion.

Right in the beginning, the show opened on three white outfits that glowed from fibre optics from within. They echoed the lighting of many of the buildings of the Meatpacking District of NYC.

There were gowns of liquid silk that picked up the light reflection in such a way that they looked electric. There was a series of day and evening looks that combined abstract contrast color embellishments that coordinate well with the museum's contemporary exhibits. Origami folds were worked into other gowns that were wearable sculptures.

There were beautiful dresses with more traditional beading techniques. I think Roland's big fans come back and again for these based on the guests in attendance.  

The one thing that didn't work for me were the high, thick choker necklaces that even encased the model's hair. It looked highly uncomfortable and sent a very confusing bondage message.

Otherwise,  the stunning Pamella Roland collection was a presentation where designer and venue were in perfect sync. Elegant, contemporary and beautiful.

photos by Mariana Leung

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#NYBW: Pamella Roland Bridal 2015

I’m going to end my NY Bridal week coverage with the glamour of Pamella Roland.  Sprawling, romantic silhouettes and trumpet shaped skirts were the preferred look of this penthouse presentation. 

The designer worked her magic with fabric manipulation and embroidery.  I loved the more fashion forward use mixing irregular large crystals and jewels to encrust necklines and cuffs onto a very delicate lace dress.  This pattern was then interpreted with matte pearl sequins also cut irregularly and encrusted with stones and beads. 

Metallic stud embellishment was a big trend in streetwear.  Pamella Roland reinterpreted that trend into elegant bridal wear by creating spikes of crystal rondelles on top of long bugle beads and clustering different sized pearls to create the studded effect concentrated around the shoulder. 

 The final effect was an edgier nuptial look perfect for brides who prefer to mix street style into their ultra-glam wedding day.

Almost a pre-requisite for showing at NY Bridal week, Pamella Roland too had her Frozen-inspired “Elsa” dress.  There was a beautiful pale blue gown worn by, (surprise surprise) a blonde model with her hair pulled back.  The dress had sheer cap sleeved shoulders and was embroidered with crystal beaded vines that looked like cracked ice.  The pale sequin embroidery also looked like flakes of frost and snow on the body, culminating into long sheer godet panels at the skirt. 

Well there you have it. I didn’t cover a lot of bridal shows this time around, but I think I spotlighted some of the best.  Down the aisle or on the runway, don’t you love see a swirl of tulle?

Photos by Mariana Leung

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Pamella Roland Spring 2015

Designer Pamella Roland drew inspiration for her Spring/Summer 2015 collection from her travels to Japan. The designer captured the spirit of Zen Gardens of Kyoto and the beauty of Cherry Blossom trees in bloom.

The sleek and clean silhouettes in Roland's spring 2015 collection were the perfect canvas to showcase the exquisite fabrics and intricate details. Models were styled with simple ponytails and hints of red and pink make-up that embodied the allure and mystique of the Geisha.  

The collection opened with neutral separates for day in cream, ivory, and taupe. Special occasion cocktail dresses and evening gowns in luxurious fabrics like organza, silk georgette, and lace dominated the runway.  Printed fabrics and beaded accents with Cherry Blossoms and Bonsai were recurring motifs throughout the collection.  

photos by Mariana Leung

My favorite looks of this show were the blue lace dress with lacquered feather waist detail.  There was the ivory and Lilac floral organza gown with corded bands across the bodice.  There was beautiful blush lace long sleeve gown and then ivory brushstroke chiffon bridal gown.

The verdict? Pamella Roland delivered a stunning & elegant collection designed for women of all ages...especially for those of us with a busy social calendar!

xo,

Elaine Fioravanti of Best Dressed Ginger

Guest Blogging for MsFabulous.com

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Pamella Roland Fall 2014

There was no lack of sequins at Pamella Roland’s Fall 2014 show. Nearly every look in the collection, full of sleek silhouettes, shimmer and satin, was worthy of a red carpet trip. The collection’s palette relied on black, navy and and wine hues juxtaposed with a few silver and marigold looks, and none shied away from Roland’s devotion to embellishments.

Two of the four pants looks featured in the first half of the collection were fully sequined and another glimmered in a silver lurex fabric. Tweed and mink coats and a jacquard and fox fur trim jacket helped balance out the more than abundant amount of these sequined pieces.

As the collection moved into evening wear, floor length gowns varied from deco designs to beaded fringe to more sequins. 

Pamella Roland’s Fall 2014 collection is definitely for the woman with somewhere to go and people to impress.                       -Niko Nelson

Photos by Mariana Leung

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Pamella Roland Spring 2014

The glamour of 1960's film stars was the inspiration for Pamella Roland's Spring 2014 collection at New York Fashion Week.  After attending the Cannes Film Festival last year, the designer wanted to evoke the style of classic movie beauties like Brigitte Bardot and Grace Kelly.

The clothes had simple, elegant silhouettes with a clean color palette of white, black, sunny orange, blush and Cote d'Azur blues.  Several pink dresses paired with blonde bouffants reminded me of vintage Barbie dolls.  There were ladylike shifts and suits along with one particular show-stopping chiffon gown that swirled on the runway in a cloud of coral.  I also loved the graceful models who worked the red carpet looks like big puffy taffeta capes and floral fishtail gowns.

The signature motif was a honeycomb hexagon pattern that showed up in embroideries and mirror appliques.  This added a mod graphic touch to the otherwise sedate looks in some cases.

Pamella Roland has never been the most fashion-forward label.  I believe her core client is a little more established, a little less adventurous, but that's okay.  These are the ladies you can only hope to be when you grow up and achieved all you wanted to achieve.  Even if all you wanted was to dance in the sand.

Pamella Roland SS14 photos by David TW Leung

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Pamella Roland Fall 2013

For the Upper East Side Ladies who lead the glamorous after they lunch... Pamella Roland's Fall 2013 collection for NY Fashion Week was luxurious with a bit of vintage Hollywood chic.  Fur stoles wrapped necks and arms.  Long trailing gowns in simple solid colors or metallic embellished shorter dresses swept along a mosaic print runway.

Shiny, sexy tight daywear looks could only be called daywear by women who never need to work.  There were jackets and pants in silky fabrics and shiny details that screamed evening, but had daytime silhouettes.  They reminded me of what television characters in high society dramas would wear, rather than real people.  That's not to say they were not outfits I personally wouldn't love to wear if I could make my reality like that...

Unfortunately, the models looked very severe and unhappy.  Perhaps it was the unspoken truth of life as a trophy wife... Tight black headbands and very high platform shoes were the accessories of choice.  The headbands made the look more uptight, pulling the face back like a recent face-lift 

I wish Pamella would use more of the delicate, pretty embroideries that I saw in previous seasons. They were elegant without looking forced or drama filled.

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Heart Truth Red Dress Show 2013

My favorite fashion events are those that bring out tons of celebrities for a good cause.  The Heart Truth Red Dress Show sends gorgeous stars of all shapes and sizes down the runway in hot red gowns from the top designers at Manhattan's Hammerstein Ballroom.

Heart Truth is a non-profit initiative sponsored by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Red Dress is a symbol to remind women of the need to protect their heart health, and inspires them to take action.  To study up on how to keep your heart healthy, check out the Heart Truth website.

Olympic gold medalist, Gabrielle Douglas strolled down the catwalk in Pamella Roland.  Soledad O'Brien wore a leg revealing dress by Black Halo Eve.  Divas Toni Braxton, Wendy Williams and Roselyn Sanchez sashayed with sexy attitude.  Kelly Osborne looked like a retro pinup with rock n' roll flair in Zac Posen.  Check out the rest of the lineup below:

photos by Mariana Leung

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NY Fashion Week Fall 2013 Preview

What do the designers of NY Fashion Week have in store for us next week? Check out some preview fashion sketches below...

 Pamella Roland's sketches show some sexy, dramatic evening looks.  The designs says she was "I was inspired by the ornate interior of the winter palace in Saint Petersburg, Russia."

Designer Son Jung Wan was also inspired by former Soviet Union, “This season I was inspired by two great Russian works of art: Kandinsky’s balance of color and the ornate lines seen throughout Catherine Palace.”

Monika Chiang however, took a more stark route,  “I’m fascinated by mechanics, the bold geometry and graphic shapes created through flight. It is that raw power and beauty that is at the heart of my Fall 2013 collection.”

Custo Barcelona looks like it has some cozy knits and textures in store for us for fall...

Misha Nonoo is taking a romantic take inspired by "War and Peace".  For Fall 2013, the designer says to “Think Edie Campbell takes a weekend trip to Russia to visit descendants of the Russian Romanov’s for a carefree weekend filled with Fabergé egg hunts and caviar. ”

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Hot Flavors - Cool Style

Can you believe it is November? For fall 2012 fashion trends, it means it is time to turn up the heat!  Designers for New York Fashion Week brought out a palette of fiery colors.  Designers also kept you cozy with the big fuzzy trend of using fur.

This has been the year of the Girl on Fire.  It only seems appropriate that a hot color palette for fall ignites your wardrobe.  How gorgeous are the flame-like silk prints of Theia’s gown and Monique Lhuillier’s day dress?  Anna Sui brings out the fiery hues in different patterns while Pavoni, Josie Natori and Monique Lhuillier create heated silhouettes from flared chiffon, silk crepe or shiny leather 

Fur can be super luxurious if you have the budget.  If you don’t, accessories make a dramatic statement, like a big fur hat or shrug from Pamella Roland.  Do certain fashion choices weight on your conscience?  It doesn’t have to be real fur to rock this trend.  Designers Betsey Johnson and BCBG Max Azria strike a dramatic look without harming animals.  The quality and colors of faux fur are fantastic these days when accenting a fabulous coat.  Of course, a great furry texture works too.  Creating volume with loops, fringe or even feathers can pimp out the most basic silhouette.  Anna Sui’s great fall coats and sweaters make the artsy crafty technique work very well.

Photos by Mariana Leung and David TW Leung

So has fall 2012 fashion got your mercury rising? The only chills here are the ones of stylish excitement when I flip through the runway collections.  When the temperature drops, I am so ready to shop!

Yoplait® Original is proof that classic is always a good choice. We have more than 20 flavors that burst with the delicious, flavorful creaminess that isn't just good, it is SO good, especially now that it's made with natural colors, flavors and sweeteners. What can be more than SO good? The fact that Yoplait® Light is made in more than 20 flavors that contain 90 calories and 2 Weight Watchers® PointsPlus® value each.  But the best part is the inspiration these fun flavors can be when it comes to fashion – how about a Key Lime Pie clutch or a little black forest cake dress. We believe the best fashion statements come from flavor inspiration.  What flavor inspires you? Try a new one today
and use it to plan your outfit


Disclosure: Compensation was provided by General Mills via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of General Mills”

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Pamella Roland Fall 2012

Pamella Roland's Fall 2012 collection was about day to night luxury.  Fall's big fur trend was in force on this runway. Coyote, fox, mink adorned collars, hoods and shoulders.  Sportswear was in sharp red, black, cream, grey and red.  For evening, rich metallics and satin chiffon took center stage.

Three quarter length jackets were popular over long boots and short skirts.  At night, long fishtail gowns and dramatic flared skirts, some with a high/low hem wowed the front row guests.  Designer Pamella DeVos also loves to include rich embroidery and beading.  There was a great cross hatch embroidered bodice on a blue cocktail dress and fully beaded gowns.

The designer always loved fashion, but practical parents urged her to study business instead.  She nurtured her creative impulses with art history and worked in women's retail in school.  The well rounded background clearly paid off in her success.  Celebrity fans include Katie Holmes, Tyra Banks and Jane Seymour.

photos by David TW Leung

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Pamella Roland Spring 2012

What to wear to your next society gala?  Pamella Roland answers that question quickly at her Spring 2012 presentation during NY Fashion Week.  While the designer's name doesn't pop up in every tabloid, she has a very loyal following among the socialites of the city.

This presentation was an homage to silver screen goddesses. Classic Hollywood glamour poured out of every angle in the Lincoln Center Box.  Satin and organza was pleated and draped across statuesque bodies, adding to the Goddess effect.  Sweet cocktail length dresses were mixed with long fishtail gowns.  Beading and delicate sequins added even more glam to the collection.

Spotted Mingling: Beth Otrosky, Real Housewife Ramona Singer , Rocco Leo Gaglioti 

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NY FASHION WEEK: Pamella Roland Spring 2011

Who doesn't love a vacation to the Greek Isles?  Pamella Roland's spring 2011 collection was inspired by your recent travels to the Mediterranean. The presentation was broken down into looks specific to each island and included postcard images to accompany them in the program.  

The fishtail and (fishscale layered chiffon appliques) evoked the ocean views of Santorini.  Crystal embroidery embellished the necklines or bodices of dresses inspired by Mykonos. The silhouettes could be sexy and fitted or easy and draped.  The strategic use of beading and jewels were elegant, but not over the top.

Gorgeous jewels from Chopard enhanced the Upper East Side mannequins.  Ms. Roland is a board member of the Whitney Museum of American Art.  The museum setting was perfect for a collection presented at works of art.  

I loved the fantasy fashion of Marchesa, but Pamella Roland designs the gowns that real women aspire to wear.  These will be the gowns seen and purchased for galas and fundraisers in this zip code for the next few years.  

Spotted in the front row mingling: Hillary Swank

Photos by Mariana Leung

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