“I’m all about beauty—but with some sense of ruggedness and adventure,” said Lela Rose. Right on cue, a model waltzed into her showroom wearing a hand-embroidered, lace-hemmed linen dress from the spring 2027 collection that exemplified that fusion. While elegant and form-fitting, one could tell it was an outfit you could still be the life and soul of the party in.
Though the juxtaposition of humble fabric and high-touch embellishment felt fresh, the Texan designer noted that the idea of ornate linen gowns actually harks back to her very first bridal collection in the early aughts: “Romantic, rustic, revisited,” she said with a laugh.
Three decades in, figuring out new ways to Lela Rose-ify a fabric remains top of mind. This season, light-as-air taffeta in shades of cornflower blue and lucky green was punched with tiny dots to resemble needlepoint, but in an unexpected and modern way. Motioning towards a perforated wall sconce of her own design that echoed the approach, Rose noted, “It reminds me of how I used to hole punch my mom’s luminaria when she was entertaining. When I’m in the showroom, I can really see the shared visual language everywhere.”
A tea-length linen frock also made for an ideal canvas to showcase three-dimensional floral detailing, as cut and frayed chiffon trimmed with beads transformed the unpretentious fabric into a scene-stealer. The same effect was utilized on the bodice of an ethereal tulle gown, and to top a dance floor-ready black mini.
One thing notably less apparent in this offering were any nods to Westernwear, which tends to be Rose’s go-to since moving from Manhattan to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. But look closer and you could feel the ever-present ode to Americana in the ribbon saddle-stitching adorning the sleeve of a blazer.
Similarly, an all-navy ensemble looked like it was destined for the boardroom, yet it was actually tricked out with a whole detachable utility belt too—like a very chic tool kit to fill to your heart’s content. “Just a fun way to mix things up, and make it your own,” Rose said. That’s one way to ensure her muse is always ready for her next adventure.
