The best fashion shows are the ones that make you forget about all the madness of NYFW like tweeting every look or being the first one out of your seat to avoid traffic. It’s mesmerizing when a designer’s months of hard work and long hours are translated through the garments, creating a unified feeling of appreciation and awe. Monique Lhuillier did just that last night at the Lincoln Center theatre for her Fall/Winter 2013 show.

Famous for her extravagant, celebrity-driven red carpet gowns, Monique Lhuillier dramatized her sophisticated feminine aesthetic. It was a bold, opulent collection full of rich jewel tones, abstract prints and intricate detailing.

She opened the show with heavy snow-white knits and separates before hitting it hard with saturated color. The runway backdrop was mimicked by a green malachite rock, which she said was the color inspiration of the entire collection. This green was consistently shown throughout the show along with other deep shades of oxblood, amethyst and a timeless black.

Details varied from lace sleeves and cutouts to flouncy ostrich feathers and sparkling beads. Every piece was embellished with something ornate giving eveningwear new lengths. Abstract embroidery prevailed while any thought of simplicity was absent.

She gave femininity a new edge by including a lace cigarette pant under a matching high-low dress and placing bold jeweled collars on peplums and romantic fabrics like silk and tulle. While beautifully adorned gowns swept the runway, Lhuillier varied hemlines by including above-the-knee cocktail length and a new cut, just above the ankle.

Monique Lhuillier’s hard work surely paid off as she received a standing ovation by many audience members. Her anything but ordinary pieces will soon be all over the red carpet like always. But until then, it’s back to work for the designer for next season’s collection because great things take time and last night’s show is going to be hard to top.

Video c/o Fashion TV

Photos c/o Fab Sugar