New York Fashion Week Fall 2011: Pamella Roland, Rachel Antonoff, & Risto

[Images courtesy of Pamella Roland]

Pamella Roland

Pamella Roland’s dream-like gowns incited a perpetual amount of “oohs” and “aahs” as each model confidently strutted up and down the catwalk at Lincoln Center, their egos boosted by the delightful gowns perfectly sanctioned to their long and lean bodies. Each look, from romantic deep red silks to cascading sequins and feathery embellishments demanded attention and respect as the luxurious materials used whooshed along the pristine white of the runway. Having drawn inspiration from Asian culture, Roland wished to combine the old with the new, the east with the west to create an ambiance of the best of both worlds in a timeless and elegant manner. Roland’s talent for gracious and charming evening wear has extended beyond the catwalk to dress such stars as Angelina Jolie, Hillary Swank, and Halle Berry for the red carpet.

[Images via Elle.com]

Risto

Hosted at the Metropolitan Pavilion, Risto’s Fall 2011 Collection featured alluring patterns, sleek lines, and a taste for black and off-white edginess.  The bold yet understated under-liner featured on each model’s eyes added a degree of wispy innovation, with a contrast of a grunge-like elegance to each look. Noted for the collection’s strong showcase of sweaters, the entirety of the line held a sense of polished streetwear with burly, loose-fitting sweaters and pants, along with sleek, abstractly cut-out black dresses and pencil skirts paired with off-white sweaters layered over patterned collared long-sleeved shirts. Small embellishments to each look such as sheer black knee-high socks and an occasional large gold ear-clasp added a sense of novel originality and defined style.

[Images via Rose Lou]

Rachel Antonoff

One of Fashion Week’s hottest and most fun-loving events, Rachel Antonoff’s Fall 2011 Collection was featured at the nearby Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School’s gymnasium.  With the main theme as “The Dance” Antonoff (like Stefani did in her L.AM.B. Fall 2011 Runway Show) grouped her girls into six different themes — the “Wallflowers on Bleachers,” “Mean Girls on Bleachers,” “Dance Floor Girls,” “Table Girls,” “Band,” and “The Punch Spikers” – each schoolgirl dressed to the hilt, decked out in plaid mini skirts and dresses, high-waisted silk dresses and skirts, and some even wearing matching adorable white tights with whimsical knee embellishments in the cut-out of a black cat or arrow-pierced heart.

– Rose Lou