Lela Rose F/W 08.09 NYC

"How can I add a sporty theme to cocktail dressing?" was the question Lela Rose asked herself while developing her Fall collection, which she summed up as "Susie Chapstick meets Park Avenue."

The designer has been quietly exploring sportif elements for two seasons, but this time she was really ready to scrimmage, dedicating almost a third of the looks—from a goldfinch-colored taffeta parka to a red paillette tank dress with a tank back—to the active side of things.