Lela Rose, a renowned designer, draws inspiration from unexpected sources for her fashion collections. In her upcoming fall 2025 collection, she pays homage to Fred Harvey, a Gilded Age restaurateur known for his establishments along the Santa Fe Railroad. Inspired by the formal yet western lifestyle of Harvey’s era, Rose incorporates elements like fringed pockets and saloon-style bustiers into her designs, creating a unique blend of formal wear with a western twist. The color palette of faded jewel tones adds a cowboy noir aesthetic, while the overall lookbook exudes a vintage feel reminiscent of a daguerreotype.

Despite her western inspiration, Rose also nods to the east, drawing from the designs of Charles James for her eveningwear pieces. With crystal embellishments and elegant silhouettes, her creations evoke a sense of sophistication fit for New York City’s elite clientele. Through her collection, Rose celebrates the art of dressing up, inspired by historical figures who valued the importance of fashion and elegance in their respective eras. Join Lela Rose on a journey through time as she reimagines the past to create a modern and sophisticated collection that transcends eras and styles.