NEW YORK — Travel and art almost always figure into Pamella Roland's collections. She based her spring line on recollections of living in Japan and for fall, she is concentrating on the glamorous world of 1970s style icons in Paris as described in Alicia Drake's The Beautiful Fall.
“I’ve been in London quite a bit recently, and Paris. So I'm kind of looking at '70s Paris for fall," Roland explained when in Houston a few months ago for an appearance at Elizabeth Anthony. "I'm on the board of the Whitney (Museum of American Art) and I minored in art history in college. So I kind of go back and forth (between art and travel)."
Roland's fall collection salutes the era with beaded jumpsuits, cape tuxedo jackets with flared slacks, mini-skirts and coats with beaded collars.
Her fall collection, unveiled during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, salutes the era with beaded jumpsuits, cape tuxedo jackets with flared slacks, mini-skirts and dresses embroidered with velvet sequins. And the art angle comes in with bold oversized prints and abstract florals in deep shades of midnight navy, burgundy, plum and olive — the colors of the upcoming fall season.
It also features a lot of stylish separates — beaded sweaters, wide-legged pants, suede crop tops and skirts in a variety of styles in addition to Roland's trademark jacquard dresses with matching coats. Gowns with thigh-high slits and cutouts that expose the back lend a sexy attitude and beaded detail adds a touch of sparkle.
"I personally like a gown that has a beaded trim rather than a whole beaded gown," Roland explained, although she concedes "there are many women who love beading all over."
So what makes a person feel glamorous?
"I think definitely feeling great in your dress," Roland said. "And I am very big on fit. Alterations are really important. Everything I have is altered. Sure you can buy it off the rack, but nine times out of 10 it doesn't fit your right. Every body is different.
"And I always say no matter what, if you have confidence and a smile on your face, you can feel so good about yourself."
Pamella Roland burgundy silk satin chiffon dress with fringe beading.
