Pamella Roland is a powerful force in the worldwide fashion scene, but she was born and raised in the Midwest. Roland discovered her love for fashion while working for a women’s retailer during her time as a student at Michigan State University. However, she credits her personal stylist from Chicago as being instrumental in helping Roland establish her own sense of style, which now translates into her designs each season.
After earning a degree in business, Roland worked nearly ten years in marketing and public relations, both in corporate and agency settings. Later, in fall 2002, she launched the PAMELLA ROLAND collection. “My decision to become a designer was not based solely on my desire to express myself creatively but also on my understanding of business and my entrepreneurial spirit,” says Roland.
Roland believes her degree in business has played a significant role in her success as a designer. Her business background impacts every facet of the PAMELLA ROLAND brand, whether it is the design of each collection, sourcing fabrics, working directly with the finest craftsmen or guiding the direction of the brand’s global sales effort. “Being a fashion designer is not just about making gorgeous clothing,” says Roland. “A well-rounded education is an important thing to have if you want to become a fashion designer. You better love it because it is very tough.”
While Roland is now a household name, she still faces challenges as a part of the fashion industry. “Time and fit are two major struggles that I have faced as a designer,” says Roland. “If my clothes are not produced and out to the retailers in time, I run the risk of the retailer cancelling my line. Also, it is incredibly crucial to make sure the fit of your clothes is perfect and on-point. If the fit isn’t consistent, people will not buy your designs.”
Roland believes in the power of connecting with the consumer, listening to her needs, and continuing to provide her with the styles she is looking for to make a comfortable purchase. Roland describes the woman wearing her clothing as confident and busy with exceptional taste, a woman who demands a versatile wardrobe in which she feels polished and impeccable without forsaking her sensuality and femininity. “This woman wants to look put together but does not have the time to wear anything too fussy,” says Roland.
When designing for women, Roland finds inspiration from her two daughters who are in their 20s. “I draw my inspiration from everyday life as well as the world-at-large,” says Roland. “It is so important to listen to my customer and understand her wardrobe needs. I have found that while trends and uniqueness are important, our customers are looking for designs that reflect a classic elegance they can depend on.” Roland goes on to say that her customers provide her with great insight into finding balance each season.
Roland believes every woman should own a little black dress, as it is a timeless fashion staple. Roland personally designs little black dresses with embellishments, such as lace, ostrich feathers, and leather detailing. However, currently Roland’s favorite design is Look 10 from her fall 2011 collection, a black wool embroidered coat with a mink lined collar. “Every time I wear it, I get a million compliments,” says Roland. “And it’s always fun to go out to Chicago where I can wear coats all the time.”
Roland is currently working on exploring extensions of her brand including a diffusion line, bridal, fragrance, eyewear, and growth extensions in the overseas markets including the Middle East and Asia. Despite all of her successes, Roland says her proudest accomplishment is her family. “I have been happily married for 30 years and have three incredible children,” says Roland.
She goes on to describe both her children and her husband, Dan DeVos, as being incredibly supportive of her career. Her husband shared in the raising of their children, which made balancing work life and home life much easier, Roland says. “There’s no such thing as a typical day for me when it comes to work,” says Roland. “My one constant from day-to-day is checking in with my family, which is the most important thing to me.”
Having always loved to visit Chicago, Roland and DeVos just recently bought a townhome here in the city. “The fashion scene in Chicago is filled with young, energetic and talented people who are knowledgeable and interested in every aspect of fashion,” says Roland. “Chicago also has major retailers that are known in the fashion industry throughout the world, which keeps it connected to other fashion meccas like New York City and Paris.”
In 2010, Roland was inducted into the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), which serves to prove that Roland is here to stay. “It was a wonderful honor to be included with such amazingly talented designers and people from the fashion industry,” says Roland. “It has been a very exciting time for our business as we continue to look for opportunities to evolve and grow PAMELLA ROLAND.”
