Even assistant Andy Sachs gets the Pamella treatment – her Met Gala look dress is from the designer’s resort collection.
We spoke to Pamella Roland about the collaboration, the designs, Miranda Priestly, and more.
How did the collaboration with “The Devil Wears Prada” come about?
Vanessa has worn us for years, most notably when we dressed her for the 2005 SAG Awards and then again in 2007 when she received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Our relationship has naturally evolved ever since. She’s been a great friend and supporter of our brand, and when she proposed a partnership with the musical, we knew it was an ideal match.
Vanessa’s ideas helped our design process immensely. During a recent visit to my home in Michigan, she came upon our Fall/Winter 2020 floral-printed coat, which Zendaya had previously worn for Essence magazine. She instantly fell in love with the design and insisted it should be part of the show. In response, we designed a cerulean-colored tweed cocktail that would perfectly complement the coat.
What did you take into consideration when designing the looks? What did they need to convey?
We approached this project with a fresh perspective, creating looks that exude power, glamour, and sophistication—all qualities that the Pamella Roland woman is known for. However, this time, we also needed to consider how to prepare these designs for the stage.
In addition to styles designed for Miranda Priestly, which are more embellished than previous versions, we had to think about Vanessa’s quick changes. For example, the red silk blouse and leather skirt outfit is designed to look like a blouse over a skirt, but to facilitate swift changes, we created it as a one-piece garment that zips up all at once.
This experience is new for us, but we have gained valuable lessons in stage design through this venture. Collaborating with Tony Award-winning costume designer Gregg Barnes was instrumental in this process; his insights significantly deepened our understanding of stagecraft. Working together gave us a fantastic synergy. His expertise in designing for the stage, combined with our runway design knowledge, created a truly successful partnership.
Miranda Priestly is an iconic character. What about dressing her appealed to you so much?
Miranda Priestly is a character well-known in the fashion industry. She embodies qualities that align perfectly with the Pamella Roland woman: sophistication, elegance, and the ability to command a room with her presence. The synergy between the worlds of “The Devil Wears Prada” and Pamella Roland seemed like an ideal match.
Which one is your favorite look and why?
The red gala ensemble that Vanessa dons is one of my absolute favorites. This look draws inspiration from our Fall/Winter 2024 blush embroidered gown. We paired it with a blush Mikado sequin-lined coat, which was a look that Vanessa fell in love when it hit the runway. The initial concept for our Fall/Winter 2024 design originated from Doris Day in the movie “Do Not Disturb.” I wanted to capture the same essence as her grand entrance, where she unveils a stunning orange sequin lining beneath her long white coat. My admiration for classic Hollywood films inspired me to reinterpret this look for the Pamella Roland woman, and I was especially excited to give it a fresh twist for the new Miranda Priestly.
Vanessa Williams is such an icon in her own right. Why, in your view, is Miranda Priestly such a perfect part for her?
Vanessa is one of the most talented artists I know. She truly dedicates herself to her work, and it shows in the excellence of her performances. She has played strong characters, such as Wilhelmina Slater (Ugly Betty) and Renee Perry (Desperate Housewives), so we can confidently say that she will excel in this role as well. Vanessa is naturally a friendly and welcoming person, and her ability to portray these fierce and cold characters demonstrates her versatility and incredible talent.
