For fall 2018, Pamella Roland took an opulent look at the city of Prague, sartorially representing its architecture and ornamentation in the form of intricate filigree embroidery, jewel-toned fabrics and uncharacteristically minimalist, pared-down dresses with structural seaming and sharp cut-outs. Following the runway show, Untitled went backstage and chatted with the designer about her new collection and the inspiration behind it.
What inspired you to choose Prague as a jumping off point for the collection?
I was there this summer; my son played hockey [there] actually. I’ve been there a number of times but this year, I did a river cruise and was able to look at [the city] in a different way. I saw the modern part of Prague as opposed to the traditional part and thought [it] would be such a great inspiration. I saw all the gold inside some of these palatial buildings and jewel tones and I thought, what a perfect fall inspiration.
How would you characterize the Pamella Roland woman?
We dress daughters, mothers and grandmothers so there’s not one particular woman. I think it’s somebody who likes fine things, who likes wearing dresses that fit well—we’re very big on [fit]. I think a confident woman. I think today what we’re working on is bringing confidence to women.
Who or what are your biggest creative inspirations?
Usually travel and modern art.
How would you define contemporary elegance in today’s age?
I think we saw a lot of it today. We saw things you could wear to a black tie event—some women want a big gown, but some want a sleek jumpsuit. Today, I think you see a lot of the jumpsuits. That’s what the girls want. All the celebrities want the pantsuit and jumpsuit look.