Just about everyone at Rolando Santana's New York Fashion Week runway show — from the designer to a front-row Orange Is The New Black star — was in a colorful mood. The designer admits he usually favors neutral shades, but for his newest collection, he went a little wild with colors and shapes.
"Color is now, so I think it was nice challenge," he said while surrounded by admiring fans after his runway show.
For inspiration, the Mexican-born designer looked to the work of Mark Rothko in the abstract impressionist artist's "blue" period for a collection that emphasizes vast expanses of color in delineated shades. A swing coat and dress that shifts from light to dark blue evokes a Rothko painting. A powder blue gown is stunning in its simplicity, and day dresses feature a eye-catching print in various shades of blue.
"I love his paintings, so there are color combinations. And I added texture to some of the textiles but always very feminine. My collection is for a very feminine woman," said Santana. "I think it's an amazing touch for the Texas woman."
Santana also experimented with shapes; he even featured modified poodle skirts in several looks. But for the customer familiar with his slinky styles, he peppered the collection with the form-fitting gowns for which he is known.
The colorful touch even extended to nails, as the nail polish company Zoya combined shades of light green, baby blue and lavender to a create a tri-color look that matched the collection.
Also in a colorful mood was Dascha Polanco, who plays pregnant inmate Dayanara Diaz on the wildly popular Netflix series Orange Is The New Black. She appeared on the front row in a new hair color that appeared to be a combination of lavender and gray.
"You know, I like to take risks and play with my hair," she told Latina magazine. "It's the time to do it, so why not?"
Rolando Santana iridescent purple dress with plunging neckline.
Pride and Prejudice costumes will be part of the exhibit. Courtesy photo