Long before the new Whitney Museum of American Art in Chelsea was completed, Pamella DeVos, President and Designer of Pamella Roland, dreamt of hosting a show at this architectural jewel. Fusing her passion for fashion, love of art, and admiration for architecture, dreams came true as she presented her Spring 2016 Ready to Wear collection on September 11th. While her seat on the board certainly helped her secure the location, it was definitely the perfect spot for the affair.
For Spring 2016, Pamella used the work of American painter and printmaker, Frank Stella, as her inspiration. Using a unique vocabulary of line and color that ushered in a new era of post-painterly abstraction, Stella made an immediate impact in the art world in 1959. The use of unorthodox materials in the collection such as Plexiglas, PVC Nebula lace, reflective taffeta and LED fibers are a nod to the wave of futurism prevalent during the time of Stella’s early works.
Pamella opted out of an extravagant production this season and let her streamlined silhouettes do the talking during the intimate showcase. The show opened with an ivory silk georgette strapless gown topped with a liquid organza LED shrug. After a series of ivory creations, blush, poppy, and sherbert hues filled the space. This satin gown with structured, origami drape caught my eye.
Next up were shades of citron and mint with geometric features cohesive with the previous set of gowns complete with a playful, tulip romper and a liquid jacquard strapless number with an ivory bow.
Finishing off the Spring collection were black works of art with unusual elements and flawless couture fabrics and then sophisticated, but still somehow simple, ivory gowns with asymmetrical elements and dazzling, confetti sequin beading.
Singlehandedly, this entrepreneur and mother has impressively created a renewed label adored by notable fashionistas and celebrities alike – from Carrie Underwood to Bellamy Young, and Eva Longoria. Aside from her star-studded status, she knows a thing or ten about running a successful business. When asked on the evolution of her brand, she says reveals she didn’t spending a lot on advertising in the beginning and really worked at the business adding, “A healthy business is the most important prerequisite to growing a brand.” That may just be the best entrepreneur quote of all time.
