LOS ANGELES, Mar 22, 2006/ FW/ --- Very directional and thematic, Jennifer Nicholson presented in what arguably is her best collection ever tonight at Smashbox Studios. Easy-to-wear and very desirable, she proposed 44 looks for Fall 2006 with her father Jack Nicholson and a bevy of Hollywood A-list celebrities sitting front row.

Jack Nicholson, who is an avid L.A. Lakers fan, missed his favorite basketball team’s 87 - 80 win over rival Sacramento Kings just to be with his daughter in her moment of triumph.

The collection which is entitled ‘Happily Ever After’ explored innocent and girly looks in a very polished and sleek vision that is very L.A., but with a very generous dash of uptown chic.

Jennifer Nicholson’s well-known aptitude for lingerie-inspired looks and usually taking her audience to a fantasy scenario on her runway shows opted to deviate a little from that path.

Opening with a three-tier sparkle mini dress and following it with a Capri length trousers paired with a sparkle top with ruffles, a romantic atmosphere was set early in the show.

Using the 1940s silhouettes as templates, Nicholson sent a black suede sheath dress with a lavender lace overlay; baby doll dresses with kimono sleeves and jackets with shawl collars.

And in a surprising twist, which by the way was also within the theme, Nicholson wove in military elements by way of sailor collars on minis and dresses, a sailor vest paired with rock & roll pants, cracker jack trousers and skirts, and a sailor jacket worn over a baby doll dress.

Trying her hand on fabric treatments and playing with texture and volume, Nicholson’s balloon skirt constructed with a crinkled fabric, a senorita dress with a taut bodice and ruffled skirt, together with a cocktail dress featuring an asymmetrical hemline and layered with a half-jacket, it was easy to see that the Los Angeles-based designer has evolved.

Still, she stayed true to her roots and signature style. The lingerie-inspired dresses were still there; but this time, they were presented in a more wearable format. Her usual exuberance was controlled. Add to this a newfound seriousness that is just enough to create a very tight collection, Jennifer Nicholson triumphantly exceeded expectations, making her fans proud with joy while the designer gains new clientele and expands her market base.