DALLAS, Jan 5, 2005/ FW/ --- If you read the London Evening Standard and Vogue, you would have seen Luella Bartley's byline. She was a successful fashion journalist before she embarked on her career as a fashion designer.

She used to sit with the crowd at the "front of the house," scribbling notes on trends, what will be hot next season, what designs will not make it to the stores at all.

She lavished praises to designers that she thought deserved it and editorialized on those who are no

t "with it." Then she decided to put her money where her mouth is! She decided to take on the role of a fashion designer, staying at the backstage, watching the monitor if the house is full, if editors and buyers are scribbling notes while her creations are paraded on the runway. Ah, what a reversal of roles.

Fortunately, Luella Bartley's label "Luella" has gotten rave reviews from the fashion editors and from store buyers.

Her debut collections garnered orders from Henri Bendel and Whistles. Elle gave her the Young Designer Award for 2000 and has the reputation of British kookiest designer of the moment.

Her Spring 2005 collection that will hit stores this March represents Luella's avant-garde view of fashion with a twist, combining modernity and sophistication with classical cuts.

By the looks of it, Luella Bartley made the right decision in changing her career path.

Luella Bartley

Luella Bartley

Luella Bartley

Luella Bartley