Lela Rose Fall/Winter 2017

Lela Rose united fashion and entertaining for a second season at her Fall/Winter 2017 New York Fashion Week presentation this week. The venue? NYC eatery Loring Place. The collection? A delicious spread of lace, appliqué, and florals. The designer discusses her new range and why her show format simply works. 

What was the inspiration behind this collection?
There were three guiding words for this collection: beauty, hope, and resilience. I have been thinking about these words and what they mean to me and I think the world needs more of all three. The tulip really does epitomize all three words, but my real aim was to add more beauty to the world, especially now.

Did you have a muse this season?
Two of my longest muses have been Audrey Hepburn and Catherine Hepburn.

This was your second show at a restaurant. Will this become a tradition?
Showing in a restaurant and setting it in our style really gives you a sense of what the brand is about: an entertaining lifestyle. I really love being able to offer a full experience, with cocktails matching the clothing and tablescapes that relate back to the collection. I don’t see us going back to a traditional runway anytime soon. This just feels right for now.

Could you smell the cooking backstage?
Yes, and we were all dying! We wanted that charred broccoli salad!

What’s your choice of lunch?
What was served today is my ideal lunch—delicious vegetables that have interesting flavor and nothing too heavy. I wish I could have a Buzzy Tulip cocktail at lunch, but that is only for special occasions.

Are there still plans to write a cookbook?
Yes, it is in the works. Still more entertaining/cookbook, but it will be lots of fun!