In tribute of 9/11, Lela Rose played John Lennon's "Imagine" to a crowd that, at times, even sang along. It was a good start to a show that kicked off with a hopeful and happy message. While her inspiration was the "neon graveyard," namely the unrestored and broken signs seen in Las Vegas and Coney Island, her collection was far from decrepit. Instead, muted neon hues, washed-out voile, and chipped-effect embroidery — using Guipure light bulb lace — were crafted into whimsical polka-dot dresses and colorblocked sheaths and separates. A couple of lightly quilted dresses that looked like a broken glass mosaic were also reminiscent of a carnival funhouse. For accessories, the designer punctuated the carnival theme via printed wedge sandals and cap-toe pumps from her Lela Rose for Payless collection. More details from the fresh and flirty collection below.
