From NYFW: Rolando Santana Collection Inspired by Mark Rothko

About Designer Rolando Santana

I first became aware of this Mexican-born designer through our own Fashion Houston last year when he presented his ultra-feminine Spring 2014 collection. Myself, as well as many of the audience were smitten by his femininity and beautiful apparel. However, it was not until he was back in town at Elizabeth Anthony presenting his Fall 2014 Collection, that I really got to spend some quality time with the designer as he took me through each of the collection’s pieces and I wrote then on My Red Glasses about this very sophisticated collection, primarily of neutrals, with so many pieces that I wanted, personally for my closet.  These styles should be in the store now and should be checked out if you missed the trunk show.

About Spring/Summer 2015 Collection

I was immediately taken with this collection for a couple of reasons. Primarily for me was the inspiration for Rolando’s designs was none other than Mark Rothko, whose Menil Chapel/Collection of paintings here have been a source of inspiration, peace and solitude to me for many years. Rolando looked to Rothko’s “blue period” and said to us after the show of the abstract impressionist, very simply…” I love his paintings!” He also spoke of how he used that inspiration and put his very feminine approach to it and created a very classic, sophisticated collection dominated by beautiful colors in that blue/green color family…a slight diversion from his usual use of many neutrals.

As Rolando Santana will be back here in November to show again at Fashion Houston, I encourage you to be there and to see this collection for yourself or drop into Elizabeth Anthony for a trunk show visit with the designer. I have put limited photos below of this collection as a tease of more to come later in the season.

Mark Rothko Inspired Designs

May be a little over-kill here below with four Rothko-inspired designs but “wearing Rothko” had great appeal to me. Color blocking is very flattering for most women and here you will see it taken to a new level.

Below, are two examples of body styles that work for most women and in the icey, baby blue color of the collection….strapless, full-skirted day-into-evening- dress and Rolando’s  body-fitting solid sheath.

Pattern mixing in the signature colors of the collection, and a touch of glitz and lavender in a flattering short cocktail

One of the looks that impressed me the most as “must-have” for my own wardrobe was his collection of evening gowns for Fall, simple, sophisticated, great shapes in dark neutrals that for Spring he has taken to color and slinky glitz.

Designer, Rolando Santana taking his bow from his cheering crowd

For a touch of fun at the NYFW Sunday show of Santana, was meeting Dascha Polanco, “Dash”, who plays the pregnant inmate in Netflix’ “Orange is the New Black”, who we almost didn’t recognize  due to the ombre hair color change.  With her in front row, was my longtime friend and Santana supporter, George Brescia. George, of George B Style, has many things to be excited about these days….lots of TV appearances, famous clients and most importantly, book signings all over the country for his new, Simon & Schuster book, “Change Your Clothes, Change Your Life: Because You  Can’t Go Naked”….look for updates on My Red Glasses, when George will be strutting down to our town for a book signing!

runway photos courtesy of Fernando Colon