Fashion Shows: Rachel Pally Fall/Holiday '08

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Rachel Pally is one of a number of successful (i.e., she makes big bucks) LA fashion designers who doesn't show during LA Fashion Week. But why would she, when she can produce something on her own time at locations, such the John Lautner-designed Sheats-Goldstein Residence for winter/holiday '07, or, for fall/holiday '08, at the Art Deco Oviatt Penthouse Downtown this past Tuesday? Pally works in jersey—draped dresses in varying lengths, some blouses, pants, skirts, but mostly dresses. The accessibility of her apparel, which is flattering and fits various body types and sizes, has landed her on Oprah's "favorite things" episode, and also a plus-sized collection, sold at Nordstrom.

This season, the show fit the decor, with models in feathered, flapper-ish headpieces, long necklaces and deep-hued lips. The collection was extensive—60 looks in all—with much that was familiar Pally territory, a mostly covered up sexiness which reveals in a shapely silhouette. What was a bit different was the fullness to the draping and sashes and an off-beat palette to prints. Pally always throws in a couple glamorous floor-length numbers for an Old Hollywood vibe, which she does particularly well. The granite dress with a deep-V and flowing sleeves topped our list.

Celeb peeps in the crown included Eve, Amy Smart, Sara Rue, Marla Sokoloff, and Debbie Matenopoulos. Project Runway contestant Nick Verreos was in the crowd, covering the show for Uber Style. The Oviatt Penthouse had some interesting quarks, including a hidden space behind the bed created for voyeur activities and the smallest sink ever (one of two) in the bathroom.
· Rachel Pally [rachelpally.com]
· Rachel Pally Shows at Lautner’s Sheats-Goldstein Residence [Blackburn and Sweetzer]