On the closing night of Fashion Houston, Robert Rodriguez showed a resort collection that mixed style and practicality. He opened with a sequined minidress topped with a crisp gold blazer that could just as easily be worn with jeans and featured evening gowns in lush colors of teal and citrus, along with party dresses with frayed edges and short shorts paired with sequined tops.

My favorite look: A gown made of sweatshirt fabric paired with a hip cropped leather jacket. It had an easy casual style that looked chic and modern, yet just right for these uncertain times.

While in Houston, Rodriguez explained his style to Merritt Beck, creator of the fashion and style blog, Manolos and Martinis.

Merritt Beck: I know Christian Dior was a major influence on your decision to start a career in fashion. What other things influence you in your designs?

Robert Rodriguez: I’m very inspired by many things… Architecture, art, just beautiful things. You know, sometimes I just get a reference of something…even something as simple as a flower or a piece of rock. I always go with my gut, so really anything that I feel is right.

MB: Out of your pre-fall and fall collections, which piece is your absolute favorite and why?

RR: I love the leather trench – it’s one of my favorite pieces. I would style it with a T-shirt, dress the leather down a little bit.

MB: With all of the major fashion week events coming to a close all around the world, which trends from the spring/summer 2012 runway collections are you most excited about?

RR: One of the things I was inspired by for spring was the '50s and early '60s, which is what my collection is all about. I found that this has been the major trend in Europe – all very retro. I like that I’m seeing this femininity coming back. Spring for me was all about color, so lots and lots of color!

MB: Your pieces have been featured on a number of A-list celebrities. If there were one person you could style or design a dress for, who would it be?

RR: Lady Gaga. She would be one that I would love to dress because she’s so out there and I think I would have fun with her.

MB: What do you have planned for the rest of 2011?

RR: We have LA fashion week next week and we’re doing a show in Brussels for the U.S. Embassy. Those are really the next big things. Come spring we’ll see what happens!

MB: You currently have three different labels (signature Robert Rodriguez collection, Black Label evening wear and Robbi & Nikki). Are there any plans to expand your lines to include handbags, jewelry, etc. anytime soon?

RR: We are thinking of doing accessories, handbags and shoes. I think you should expect them sometime next year.

He also spoke with Annina Stefanelli, creator of the fashion and style blog, Cinched at the Waist.

Aninna Stefanelli: When you design, what is more important, the process or result?

Robert Rodriguez: I think both are important — the design process takes a lot of planning and creativity, always thinking of what is next. This is very important for me because it then really tells you what the end result will be.

AS: For whom do you design? How do you see the Robert Rodriguez Collection wearing gal?

RR: I design for real women, and I love seeing my clothes on all types. I love designing real wearable clothes and don’t really believe in one particular muse. This point of view has always been successful for me.

AS: What is the most important lesson you have learned in your career?

RR: That’s simple, always stay true to yourself and your beliefs.