Lela Rose, AAS Fashion Design ’93

New School Alumni
Nov 7 · 2 min read

Lela Rose, AAS Fashion Design ’93, is widely regarded for her elegant design that doubles as comfortable attire made for the modern woman’s on-the-go lifestyle. Sophistication plus sensibility is at the root of her aesthetic, even most of her dresses have pockets. Rose’s ready-to-wear collection includes dresses, jackets, pants, tops, skirts, as well as jewelry and clutches.

In 1998, 5 years after her graduation from Parsons, Rose debuted her signature collection, Lela Rose, out of her apartment. Only 3 years later, her line gained sparked attention when she dressed Jenna and Barbara Bush for their father’s inauguration. Since then Lela Rose has become a favorite of high-profile figures and celebrities, including Michelle Obama, Duchess Kate Middleton, Gweneth Paltrow, Anne Hathaway, Jenelle Monae, Jessica Chastain, Kerry Washington, Tina Fey, among many others.

In addition to her ready-to-wear line, Rose launched Lela Rose Bridal Collection in 2006. The collection was met with great acclaim. Following the success of that line, Rose released a bridesmaid line.

Rose is also a published author, with her first book, Prêt-à-Party, which was released in 2015. Prêt-à-Party overlaps the values of her style, like color, seasonality and pattern, with hostessing. Rose’s book is a testament to her creative entrepreneurship and passion.

100 New School Alumni

Celebrating 100 years of bold, change-making leaders in culture, commerce, and civic life

New School Alumni

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Celebrating the New School alumni community, a vibrant network of creative, progressive thinkers working in the arts, politics, design, education, and more.

100 New School Alumni

Celebrating 100 years of bold, change-making leaders in culture, commerce, and civic life

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