"I always try to make Resort as seasonless as possible," said Lela Rose on a drizzly afternoon at her New York studio. The designer specializes in the kind of mid-weight, day-to-evening attire that easily works year-round, so her goal was not a lofty one, but it should be said that she was right on point this time. Rose is adept at using girly elements—florals, ruffles, and ribbons—in precise, graphic ways that help to cut back significantly on the saccharine. The cotton guipure on the skirt of a white cotton shirtdress was done in an unexpected geometric polka-dot pattern, and a delicately knitted black dress had a sculptural, cage-like-hem detail. Rose's floral was hand-drawn and embroidered in black on a simple V-neck dress in a chambray blue matelassé, and thick strips of grosgrain and tulle were fashioned into swingy striped tank tops and simple sheaths. While elements like black and geometrical shapes added a sharp flavor to many outfits, the designer went the opposite direction with the season's ikat print, softening up the classic pattern by making it look like it had been painted on. Each technique displayed the sense of balance an easy-to-wear garment requires.
