This was our first Lela Rose show and it did not disappoint. There was lots to admire about the collection, not to mention the ravishing Susan Sarandon, her daughter Eve Amurri, and Mariska Hargitay seated in the front row with Ken Downing, Fashion Director for Neiman Marcus. 

I thoroughly enjoyed Lela Rose’s lady-like and fresh designs.The show opened up with silver grey, which along with nude and white seem to be the neutrals of the new season. Each outfit married the modern with the elegant. There was nothing hard edged about this collection, which I found refreshing. Soft, flowing and feminine is definitely trending.

The colours were divine! Mid toned purple, coral, denim blue, pumpkin and bright orange were strongly underpinned by light neutrals. Citron accents were aplenty. Patterns were abstract with a hint of floral.

Some of the skirt and dress hemlines were a little above the knee, but most of them were on or below the knee. Short, tight frocks, skirts and shorts took a backseat. I might be speaking too soon, but it looks like a dress season next year – both sheaths and fit-and-flare frocks in midi lengths.

I loved Rose’s soft, bright, baggy short shorts, both patterned and colour blocked. They were combined with soft knitwear and long collarless blazers. Very nice! Trousers were typically tapered and slouchy. (I haven’t seen wide legged trousers on the runways yet this season). Remarkably, tops and dresses are more covered. Big win. 

Rose showed heavy lace and subtle mixing of patterns. She generally combined colour blocked pieces with prints and threw in the odd textured false plain and micro stripe. She also accessorized some of the outfits with tribal necklaces — a dramatic juxtaposition with the dainty collection. 

After the show we went backstage where designer Lela Rose and celebs Susan Sarandon, Eve Amurri, Mandy Moore and Mariska Hargitay were being interviewed. I absolutely loved this show and am ready for a feminine, flowing and ice-cream toned start to Spring 2012. But the best part of this show was seeing graceful Lela Rose and Eve Amurri wear pieces of the new collection on show day. Brilliant.