Lela Rose chose the idyllic Jefferson Market Garden for her Resort presentation, and in typical Rose fashion, it was really more of a party. Models in floral-embroidered blouses—her take on “vintage tattoos”—and full-skirted dresses lounged on quilted blankets or wooden swings while guests ate gelato, made custom bouquets, or simply enjoyed the 70-degree weather. Everyone could agree: It was a nice reprieve from back-to-back showroom appointments.
Parties like this are de rigueur for Rose—her ready-to-wear and bridal shows are usually staged at a restaurant with a side of canapés and Champagne—but this was the first time she tried the concept for Resort. It speaks to how important the season is for her business, and how much the Resort market is growing in general. While this collection will ship in early winter, Rose specializes in the kind of festive, ladylike party dresses women need all year round, whether their holiday plans include a tropical getaway or a New Year’s Eve soiree at home. The LBDs covered in pink or green rosebuds will be a no-brainer, and the sparkling matelassé frocks with grosgrain lace-up details stood out, too.
Fans of Rose’s cocktail separates won’t be lacking for options either. There was a charming ivory off-the-shoulder top and trouser combo, which came with a pearl trim borrowed from Rose’s last bridal collection. Elsewhere, a few dresses mimicked the look of separates in one hybrid piece, like a taupe embroidered dress with an organza “T-shirt” built in underneath.
