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.
