In the program notes for her Fall collection, the Texas-born designer of beautiful dresses and classic feminine style Lela Rose noted am emphasis on clean-lined, modern suiting and a "luxe approach to evening separates."

We were backstage and on the runway to see how this point of view came together, and while color-blocked layering created some gorgeous moments, it feels like Lela's favorite recipe for keeping it chic is two-piece all-one looks that marry pattern and silhouette.

In a palette designed to make day to night dressing completely effortless, Lela showed a number bell-sleeve tops and matching pants and skirts.

Off-the-shoulder knits (trend alert!) came ready-made with crisp and sheer shirting options underneath, and the textiles were tactile, dynamic and perfectly, properly bold.

Coats were also a bright point, and no less textural or alluring. Sheared mohair, double-faced reversible cashmere and wool looked as sumptuous as they felt on the skin.

Accessories play a big role in bridging the office-to-cocktails transition; botanical elements and fluttery bits make stepping out an easy occasion-and let's be clear: Lela has most decidedly not left the dress behind in all of this. Dresses are, instead, as detailed and quietly ornate as those that originally won her acclaim when she launched in 1996.

Also in the program notes was a letter from Lela in which she shared the recent loss of her father and the accompanying lesson: "I have relearned what I already knew. I am surrounded by and work with the most devoted, talented, loyal and truly wonderful individuals. We have become a family away from our home families."

As she and her daughter Rosey and their dog Bobbin surveyed the action backstage, it was evident that the designer is in this business to give her best to the women around her-her team, her fans, and her customers.

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-Laura Cassidy