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For Lela Rose, dressing up is not reserved for special occasions. As the face of her eponymous line, she exudes the qualities that define her designs–modern, refined and fun–and creates pieces that elevate the everyday wardrobe. A native Texan living in the fashion capital of the U.S., she’s managed to gain the approval of customers and critics with her refreshing approach to women’s wear and designs that are classically chic with a dose of whimsy. For spring, Rose’s attention to color focused on a mix of neon brights and metallic silver tones, and she brought the season to life with a variety of contemporary floral prints. The result is another romantic collection, filled with dresses and separates made for transitioning from a day of errands to an evening on the town.
What inspired your new collection?
The ethereal and venturesome feel is derived from the endemic beauty and movement often seen in a natural landscape. The collection was set beneath a suspended field of flowers, a stage for the exploration of infinite color variations reflected above in the hanging blooms.
What’s your favorite part of the design process?
I love the initial concept phase with my team and identifying theme, fabrics, and mood, but the real fun happens when the fabrics start arriving. Then every day feels like Christmas!
How does living in New York influence your designs?
I bike everywhere I go, and I find that I am always seeing something new. I still feel that buzz when I land in NYC, even though I have lived here for so many years. It is such an amazing place to live and attracts people who are following a dream. I find that incredibly inspiring!
What are some of your favorite trends for the spring season?
I love the neon hues and embroideries in the spring collection. They are pretty and also feel new.
Florals always make an appearance at spring shows. How do you keep your prints looking fresh?
I think the color combinations and the scale of our prints are what keep them feeling modern and new.
Do you design for yourself? If not, who’s the Lela Rose woman?
I certainly design a part of every collection with what I want and I definitely share many similarities with the customer. My customer wants pieces that can take you from day to dinner and help you look and feel great, with a minimum of fuss–just as I do!
Finish this sentence: A woman is never completely dressed without _________
A smile. I know it’s cliché, but it is very true.
What’s your favorite part about getting dressed up?
I love the reaction you get from people, whether on the street or at an event, when you are wearing a great color or fun piece and it makes people smile.
What’s been your favorite red carpet moment?
We’ve been so lucky to have so many amazing moments on the red carpet over the years. One that stands out is when Kate Middleton wore our white lace dress.
What would readers be surprised to learn about you?
I love to tap dance on tables and have a few extra pairs of tap shoes at home in case someone is over who can tap with me.
* Shop looks from the latest Lela Rose collection at Mitchells in Westport, Richards in Greenwich or shop.mitchellstores.com