Timeless elegance

It’s that time of year again – wedding season. A seemingly endless flurry of champagne, canapes, cake and confetti. It also means weeks of outfit planning. Is the ceremony in the city or the country? At home or abroad? And is there a dress code? All of these are crucial factors to consider, and that’s before you’ve even thought about your own style preferences and sartorial comfort zone. With all that in mind, choosing the perfect outfit can seem like a daunting task; thankfully, New York City-based American designer Lela Rose is an expert when it comes to timeless yet of-the-moment occasionwear.

Born and raised in Texas, Rose studied fine arts at college in Colorado and then went on to enroll at Parson’s School of Design in New York City to pursue her love of fashion design. Following graduation, she worked with esteemed designers Richard Tyler and Christian Francis Roth, where she honed her love of couture fabric and fanatic appreciation of detail, compelling her to debut her signature Lela Rose collection in 1998. Today, Lela Rose is world renowned for her elegant aesthetic and sophisticated yet contemporary ready-to-wear collections. With her formal training as a painter and sculptor, Rose employs a brilliant use of color, luxurious fabrications, sculptural silhouettes and handcrafted details. From the beautiful prints to the elegant shapes, and exquisite bridal gowns to printed silk dresses, each piece is intricately designed and exquisitely hand-finished in the US.

Rose’s unique designs have made her a hit with some of the world’s best-dressed women, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Jessica Chastain, Zoe Saldana, Jessica Alba, the Duchess of Cambridge and Michelle Obama, among others. Since the inception of the company over 20 years ago, Rose has proactively supported a network of artisans, sewers, pattern-makers, manufacturers, and small business owners in New York City, maintaining all possible production locally of her ready-to-wear and dress collections.

Today, Rose’s eponymous collection spans a complete range of modern separates for day to occasion – including dresses, coats, jackets, tops, skirts, pants and knits, as well as clutches and jewelry – exuding casual luxury and refinement. So, what can fans of the label expect this season? Taking its inspiration from vintage scarves, the pre-fall 2019 line is filled with elegant prints and luxe fabrics. Sweet separates are color-blocked with grosgrain ribbon detailing and contrast peplums, while handkerchief hems and inverted pleats bring breezy movement. With its bold pattern and color palette, the red and navy blue poppy-print dress is a season standout – a surefire way to impress at a wedding or formal event thanks to its classic silhouette. Not a fan of print? Opt for the muted but no-less elegant off-the-shoulder navy blue halter dress – with its red-striped neckline and ruffled top, it would make a beautiful choice for special occasions at any time of year.