Texas native Lela Rose emphasized a "marine" color palette -- deep blues, oranges and greens accented by khaki. For evening, gowns were taffeta and organza with dramatic scalloped hems. In a nod to today's obsession with cheap chic, models wore eight shoe styles from Rose's forthcoming spring collection for Payless.
Celeb sightings: Hairspray star Brittany Snow and One Tree Hill actress Sophia Bush, who've been making the FW rounds in the last 24 hours, giggled on the front row. Emmy nominee Mariska Hargitay (Law & Order: SVU), looking chic in a choppy bob, was whisked in as the lights dimmed.
The showstopper: A duo of strapless ivory dresses (one tea length, one floor length) accented by oversized navy "marine paisley" embroidery. -- Alison Maxwell
