Lela Rose

>> They're making their lists — and checking them twice. Here come the holidays, and who better to spread the cheer than some of our favorite fashionable insiders? From the super-luxe accessories topping Melissa Coker's and Leandra Medine's lists to the souped-up sporting goods desired by Yigal Azrouel and Peter Som, here's a look at what those in the know are coveting this season. See who's hoping for Burberry, who's hoping for Hermes, and who's just hoping for some sleep — plus, glean gift-giving ideas from Anna Sheffield, Lauren Bush Lauren, Derek Lam, Stephanie LaCava, and more — all here, in the slideshow.

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.

When I think about the classic bride, my mind instantly goes to Sex and the City's Charlotte York (then MacDougal, before Goldenblatt). In her strapless white dress and wispy veil, she epitomized the sophisticated woman with traditional sensibilities— the woman who most wants to look timeless and elegant on her big day. For those of you who can relate to the eternal optimist Charlotte, we've rounded up 10 gorgeous gowns to suit your understated, classic style.

Choosing a dress for your wedding is a momentous decision; you're going to be wearing it for one of the most important moments of your life, and you're going to be photographed A LOT in that dress. Those photographs will live on for a long, long time, so let's choose the best one, shall we? This week, we're all about the dress, peep our slideshow of the 25 most classically gorgeous wedding gowns around and stay tuned for more frock inspiration.

Lela Rose, known for her feminine cocktail dresses and bridal gowns, took an artful turn for Fall. Using the abstract paintings of Gerhard Richter as her inspiration, Lela applied graphic brushstrokes to sheath dresses and skirts. Even the combination of colors and textures — a sheer-paneled top sat above a wine-colored feathered skirt and knee-high socks — had a graphic motivation behind it. Lela's use of fabrics, which were pretty unto themselves, brought the artistic idea into focus, like veiled tulle that looked as if it had been brushed across the models' decolletage or the embroidered mohair and metallic silks that gave the collection a complex richness. There were simple highlights as well, including a sharp caramel-colored peacoat and a gorgeous camel coat with a sea green shell.

• Trends: Graphic prints, brushstrokes, metallics, jacquard, feathers, sculpted shoulders.
• Colors: Aubergine, sea green, camel, crimson, ombré.
• Key Looks: A metallic floral organza full-length skirt paired with a simple cashmere crewneck sweater.
• Accessories: Lela's new collection for Payless.
• Who Would Wear It: Girls who embrace artsy, unique pieces but still want to be feminine.