New York Fashion Week: Tadashi Shoji's collection features jewel tones in velvet and lace

(CBS) Tadashi Shoji's Fall 2012 collection, inspired by the "Golden Age of Shanghai," sent colorful frocks in lace and velvet down the runway on Thursday at New York Fashion Week.

Models donned ultra-feminine, red-carpet-ready dresses of velvet, Chantilly lace, chiffon and silk, with cap sleeves, tiered skirts, high necks and beaded embroidery.

Pictures: New York Fashion Week, Day 1
Special section: New York Fashion Week

In his notes, the designer said his Fall 2012 collection harkened back to a "glamorous world of modernity, transformation and prosperity." Shoji added that he used "opulent" fabrics and "brilliant" colors in column gowns and dresses with drop waists and extended hemlines.

On Twitter, he also cited Marlene Dietrich in the 1932 film "Shanghai Express" as inspiration.

Colors varied from blue and green jewel tones to hues of red and yellow, along with a few dresses with a floral print. A highlight was the final look of the collection - a black velvet gown with a dramatic bodice of lace and embroidery.