New York Fashion Week 2017

Pamella Roland steers clear of politics to focus on arty fashion collection with glam gowns

Guests at the Pamella Roland runway show during New York Fashion Week were keeping their eyes out for top officials in the Trump administration since controversial Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos is the designer's sister-in-law. But the focus was all on fashion as Roland steered clear of politics to concentrate on her collection.

“I think it’d be ridiculous if people ascribed politics to my clothes. I make beautiful clothes and people want to wear them," she told the website Refinery 29. "I wish this craziness would just pass.”

For her fall collection, Roland honed in on art with an homage to Mark Rothko, reflected in muted shades of aubergine, amethyst, garnet and onyx popularized by the acclaimed artist, often in textured, hand-painted multi-form patterns.

While Roland showed several edgy daytime pieces, including a feathered sweater and blouse in a tobacco shade, worn with a black lace-up skirt or black leggings, her forte is evening wear. She showcased dozens of glittery gowns, ranging from a body-hugging gown in brushstroke shades of amethyst and onyx to a barely-there illusion tulle gown with copper crystals in all the right places.

And her closing look, a grey sequined gown with ostrich feathers, has full-on princess potential. The collection will available in Houston at Elizabeth Anthony.

While Roland will continue to dress deVos — "She’s been one of my No. 1 customers for years. And she look great in my clothes,” the designer explained — she has fans across the spectrum.

Actress Vanessa Williams attended the show in a Pamella Roland strapless jumpsuit, comedienne Amy Poehler wore a Roland gown to last fall's Emmys, and singer/songwriter Rachel Platten wore a Roland gown to the American Music Awards and a white pantsuit by the designer to the recent Sony Music Entertainment Post-Grammy reception.

Platten also appeared at the Red Dress Collection the night before the Roland runway show in a gown created by the designer. Platten is the writer of “Fight Song,” the unofficial anthem for the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign and was a strong Clinton supporter.

Pamella Roland garnet and onyx spiral 3D beaded organza bias gown.

Photo courtesy of Pamella Roland

Pamella Roland garnet and onyx spiral 3D beaded organza bias gown.

new-york-fashion-week

Escada Fall 2017

Escada salutes Hitchcock heroines in luxe fall collection that emphasizes 'effortless dressing'

Photo courtesy of Escada

Escada red tuxedo with black lapels.

With former Calvin Klein executive Iris Epple-Righi as the new CEO at Escada, the German luxury label is returning to its roots with versatile looks for women with busy lifestyles. "It's really about effortless dressing," Escada exec Lauren Mirynowski said during a preview of the fall collection at the brand's showroom during New York Fashion Week.

The first collection since the departure of longtime fashion director Daniel Wingate salutes the heroines of Hitchcock movies, with chic dresses in icy blue or purple shades, smart suits in soft, elegant shapes, elephant print blouses signifying a sign of good luck, and jackets with a removable cowl or detachable fur collar so the look can be dressed up or dressed down, depending on the occasion.

While the collection has an elevated tone — Swarovski crystals dot the necklines of some looks and capes are dotted with mink mini pom-poms — it's also has an air of practicality for the business-minded executive. Silhouettes are roomier, fur trims and linings can be removed for less frigid weather (or a toned down look), and tailored pants suits with knitwear blouses come with jackets that can be taken off when office temperatures rise.

For the women who might want to veer toward an edgier look for evening, the collection offers tuxedo dressing with jackets in red or white with contrasting black lapels, and slacks.

The Escada fall collection can be viewed in Houston at Elizabeth Anthony Thursday through Saturday (April 6-8).

Escada red tuxedo with black lapels.

Escada fall 2017 red tuxedo with black lapels

Photo courtesy of Escada

Escada red tuxedo with black lapels.

new-york-fashion-week