Having access to the recently opened Whitney Museum in Chelsea — where she sits on the board — may have seemed reason enough for Pamella Roland to present her spring evening collection there. Beyond that, there was little point for a full-scale formal show, as is the case with many designers each season.
Roland showed a very dressy lineup that included evening rompers, jumpsuits and dresses of all lengths, most embellished to the extreme with pearls, beads, bows, sequins and Miss America sashes. In all fairness, none of that hid Roland’s terrific tailoring and fit. Most looks came in sweet pastels; a few in orange or black. Some standouts: a short orange silk faille, an A-line shift dress with minimal pearl beading on the pockets; a black silk faille short jumpsuit with a beaded bodice, and a long version with a beaded floral top.
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Roland has been in business for many years and certainly has her customer base, but the inventiveness bar needs to be raised to warrant a show — especially at an impressive space at the far end of town.