A Fashion Week Q&A with designer Rolando Santana

The thrill that comes with a designer’s first runway show during Fashion Week is something we can only imagine.  “It’s exciting,” said Rolando Santana, who, despite having shown collections before in presentation format, is debuting his Spring 2011 line in an official runway show on Sept. 16 at the Meatpacking District club The Griffin.

Santana’s signature, highly feminine yet functional dresses, silk separates and innovative outerwear have caught the eye of a number of celebrities — including  “Real Housewife” Alex McCord and socialite Tinsley Mortimer — as well as stylish young things about town.

We sat down with Santana, 37, to get the scoop on what we can expect to see come Fashion Week.

What’s the general feel of your Spring '11 line? I was inspired by modern Mexican architecture — essentially lots of neutrals, whites, shades of gray and skin tones. I think that’s an important color palette right now.

What types of textiles are you working with? Mostly basics: cotton, lightweight jacquard. There’s pleating, tucking, a lot of draping with silk chiffon and georgette.
When did you begin working on the collection?  Pretty much the day after I finished with Fall ’10.

What type of models will you cast? Very natural … with straight long hair. Not a lot of hair and makeup. We want to concentrate on the dresses.

How will you select the music? We want it to relate to the show, so we’re meeting with a DJ and will have them take a look at the collection to see what they’re working with.

What do you love most about Fashion Week? The buzz, energy and adrenaline. Before my last presentation I was literally hemming right before it started! You’re working 24/7, but the pressure and stress turns into a creative time. You’re showcasing your creativity.

What do you find stressful? Making people wait. You don’t want to make someone important wait. 

How do your clothes translate to the average consumer? I’ve found that a lot of women relate to the clothes and find different [occasions] to wear them. Women who are spending [money] on a dress cannot buy something for one-time use. Ninety percent of my styles you can wear without a destination in mind.

How did you get into designing? My mother was in the business in Mexico. As long as I can remember, I’ve been playing with fabric. I found my passion at an early age, and both my parents encouraged me.

What other designers do you admire? My contemporaries, especially the slew of Asian designers [such as] Phillip Lim, Jason Woo, Alexander Wang. They’ve injected the fashion world with a newness. 

Your thoughts on Fashion’s Night Out? During Fashion Week, New York City turns into a place you want to be and FNO is an open door for people to be part of it. It doesn’t exclude anybody, and what better time for it to happen — right before Fashion Week?

What are your thoughts on working in NYC? It’s the best city to showcase fashion and I feel fortunate to be a part of it. I’m thankful to have surrounded myself with talented people.

What’s the first thing you’ll do after Fashion Week ends? Take a day off. I’ll just want to sleep. It’ll be nice to relax for one day.