lfm1001

Donna Karan called her collection a "city garden party". In this urban setting, the florals aren't all pretty and perfect, though. She favors prints for spring that are either a casual doodle or an exploding sequined peony. The show kicked off with a black-and-white scribble-blossom skirt suit that was trim and fitted, one of several professional looks offered in this line that normally caters to a young woman's time off. Karan, though, has been quite vocal in recent months about the tough business climate and has said she's done what she can to adapt - maybe that includes getting almost 24/7 wear out of clothes. Some of the best suits were tailored blazers with shorts and - don't be scared - bright pink bike shorts that she called "Smoothies" underneath. True, not a look for everyone, but with the right attitude and figure, this was a modern twist on an old standby. The skies cleared and it was like Lela Rose made it happen. Her spring collection was upbeat, wearable and, dare we say it, pretty. She drew inspiration from the waves, surfers and scuba divers of Venice Beach, California, with colors borrowed from daybreak and sunset. There were a few pieces, including a green one-shoulder dress with rows of vertical blue laser-cut fabric that mimicked the rolling tide.