Photos by Matthew Passiglia
The moment I walked into the room of Lela Rose’s S/S16 runway show, I was hooked. A cascade of flowers suspended from the ceiling transported me to a gorgeous fragrant meadow. As the models descended the runway, it was as if a roving natural landscape appeared before the audience. Beginning with pale grey and silver, Rose showed us delicate fringed dresses and jackets paired with sheer organza accompaniments. The color palette then shifted to posy dot fil coupe separates and shell crocheted knits before closing with radiant orange and citrine gowns.
Ethereal and soft, Rose’s S/S16 collection was like a whimsical dream. Her large print florals were incredibly modern and fresh on flouncy silhouettes. I loved her playful use of neon coral and fluorescent yellow lace extended to high necklines and mixed with nude organza. But the showstoppers of the afternoon were absolutely her hand cut floral embroidered gowns. They floated down the runway like a bouquet of flowers gently jostled by a spring breeze. It was the perfect tie in from beginning to end.