Fashion Week feels very small today as we remember the life changing events of September 11th. The heightened police presence has been felt around Lincoln Center, Times Square and the rest of the city the past few days, but I honestly couldn’t feel safer and more proud to be spending the day of in one of the most resilient cities in the world. Flags at half-staff, a somber mood was felt around the tents this morning, but there was a sense of community and pride.

Prior to the commencement of today’s Lela Rose show, the room dimmed and John Lennon’s “Imagine” played for the crowd. In commemoration of the 10th anniversary of September 11th, Rose made a donation in each attendee’s honor to Action America to benefit the 9/11 Memorial and Wounded Warrior Project. And it didn’t take long for “Imagine” to turn into a sing-a-long before the house lights went bright and “Pumped Up Kicks” switched the show’s ignition into high gear.

In the audience Susan Sarandon, Mandy Moore, Mariska Hargitay, Brad Goreski, and Robert Verdi were present to show their support for the designer. Rose presented 40 looks which carried a “neon graveyard” theme. She drew inspiration “from broken signs that dot the landscape of Las Vegas and Coney Island.” Her pieces included a fantastic mix of prints and color blocking. As well, polka dots, fringe, and metallics gave her collection an electric feel.

On the runway, models Svieta Nemkova, Rel Dade, and Kelsey Van Mook donned pulled back locks with a twisted accent around the crown of their head. The hair style was created by Ted Gibson, while Tina Turnbow took care of the natural cosmetic looks. Each model appeared fresh faced, like a ray of sunshine over the crowd.

[View with PicLens]

12►