Lela Rose Spring 2009

The designer wowed her audience by tossing aside any niche notion of what Lela Rose is all about. She has eclipsed her rather prim party clothes with what one might call quirky sportswear. Dressed-up sporty? Certainly. And still hip enough to be perfect for those young ladies who lunch in the Meatpacking District. They would love her effortless mixes: thigh-high organza peplum skirts with offbeat printed tanks; perfectly cut cotton tweed shorts with a silk faille track jacket. The designer’s slightly hippie edge — think ikat, dip-dyeing and beads, all polished to a high shine of sophistication — makes this her best collection ever.  -WWD