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As we’ve learned over the years, Lela Rose has never been one to shy away from rich, enticing colors; a point she proved yet again with the launch of her Fall 2009 collection at Bryant Park this morning. 

 

“I almost never wear black,” Rose says in a pre-show interview, “this is as close as it gets!” she smiles referring to her black and white checked dressed that is belted at the waistline and paired with sumptuous looking ankle booties in a rich indigo. Her ensemble, including her footware (a result of collaborative efforts between the designer herself and Payless Shoesource), are reflective of the style showcased throughout her collection. Deep, rich, jewel-tones took center stage alongside structured pattern-mixes as Rose demonstrated easy contradictions between dreamy feminine dresses and structured, practical separates.

Her inspiration for the collection? The rainforest conceptualized as “the jewel of nature.” This concept was translated to hair and makeup by Tina Turnbow for Stila and Ted Gibson for the Ted Gibson Salon. Skin was dewey and fresh with a focus on shimmery cheekbones and iridescent eyes. The emerald and jade green shades used on the models were reminiscent of a beetle’s exoskeleton. This beetle structure was translated to the hair in the form of tousled locks that were teased at the crown and slicked back into ladylike ponytails.

All in all Rose’s show was a delightful portrayal of her aptitude for balancing both the playful and the restrained.