Spring Fashion Preview

Pamella Roland gets Zen the moment with delicate Japanese-inspired collection

NEW YORK - The Tokyo Summer Olympics aren't until 2020 but U.S. designers are catching the Japanese wave early with spring 2015 collections that incorporate exquisite origami folds, kimono-influenced patterns and intricate floral fabrics.

Roland was so taken with a recent trip to Japan that she created a collection that infuses the spirit of the Gardens of Kyoto and the works of Japanese artist Toko Shinoda.

Pamella Roland, a featured designer at Elizabeth Anthony, was so taken with a recent trip to Japan that she created a collection that infuses the spirit of the Gardens of Kyoto and the works of Japanese artist Toko Shinoda, developing a pattern based on his abstract brush strokes.

She opened her collection with a series of Zen-like creations in white or pale pink, adorned only with a obi belt or braided cord at the waist or dotted with hand-painted cherry blossoms.

Then she shifted to floral and lace dresses and evening gowns — her specialty — beaded in a rock garden or bonsai motif, in fish-printed silks or with an obi flounce at the hip. The look is a bit toned down and reflective from Roland's usual sparkly standards, but nevertheless makes a striking fashion statement.

Like Texas designer Lela Rose, who also featured a confident Japanese-influenced collection, Roland showcased some creations with a exposed triangle opening just above the navel. It's a unique look, although, as I previously mentioned, it takes an unusually confident woman with unusually taut abs to flaunt that part of her body.

Roland closed her collection with a strapless wedding gown with a flowing train that floated behind the model as she dramatically walked the runway. The designer is launching a namesake bridal collection in fall 2015 and, from this first hint of what's to come, she's likely to be successful.

Pamella Roland light blue/navy strapless silk faille dress with obi flounce and cherry blossom motif beading.

Pamella Roland spring 2015 collection Look 19

Photo courtesy of Pamella Roland

Pamella Roland light blue/navy strapless silk faille dress with obi flounce and cherry blossom motif beading.

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RODEO RUNWAY

Western glam takes over as RodeoHouston fans dress to impress

Photo by Gabi De la Rosa

Brooke Jones, Kiala Cardenas, Brittany Ruggeri, and Franschesca Jones.

Houstonians have dusted off their boots and rhinestones as the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is in full swing. Already one of the largest events in Texas, the crowds are continuing to grow. In 2025, more than 2.7 million people attended RodeoHouston, and this year the event is already on track for record-breaking numbers.

Livestock competitions, carnival rides, deep-fried food, and headlining concerts are the official reasons people come to the rodeo. Unofficially, however, people watching has become a sport all its own. The crowded walkways on RodeoHouston grounds transform into a Western-themed runway, where personal style is just as much of the experience as enjoying deep-fried Oreos or a Ferris wheel ride.

A wide range of outfits is always on display. Some attendees go all in with head-to-toe sequins, fringe on everything, and dramatically decorated hats. Others keep things casual with denim, boots, and graphic t-shirts, while groups of friends will often coordinate themed outfits for concert nights.

Rodeo Fashoin 2026 Emily Duran and Brylie Wagner.Photo by Gabi De la Rosa

No matter the style, there are two must-have accessories: cowboy hats and boots. Hats serve a dual purpose for both fashion and protection from the sun during daytime events. Boots are essential to rodeo style, but sometimes come with a painful learning curve.

Many attendees walk more than a mile from the parking lot to the grounds, and after exploring, they often add more than 20,000 steps. For those who did not properly break in their boots, the end of the day can involve blisters and a slow walk to the car, boots in hand.

“Rodeo fashion is so fun. My friends and I planned out outfits together, and we made sure we broke in our boots before tonight,” Teresa Delgado tells CultureMap. “When you are from Houston, you only make that mistake once.”

Rodeo Fashion 2026 Karson Graves, Reese, Lowery, Mackenzie Lewis, Natalie Doyle, Brandi Hunger, and Jenna Faulkner.Photo by Gabi De la Rosa

Some days have them whether it's official or it's an unspoken trend. When Megan Moroney took the stage, pink was the color of the concert, inspired by Moroney's album Cloud 9. Nearly 70,000 attendees filled the stadium in everything from flouncy pink ruffled outfits to bright neon boots and hats.

“We have really been looking forward to this concert,” said Ashley Little from Cypress. “I didn't think too much about my outfit at first, but my daughter wanted to coordinate, so here we are wearing pink together.”

Between carnival rides, mutton busting, and nightly concerts, the rodeo has plenty to see, but some of the most memorable moments are stopping to notice that fashion is just another part of the show.

Photo by Gabi De la Rosa

Brooke Jones, Kiala Cardenas, Brittany Ruggeri, and Franschesca Jones.

houston rodeo fashion western style