During New York Bridal Week, Lela Rose’s Fall 2016 collection played to the romantic notion of the winter bride. Gowns were luxurious but simple, traditional but youthful, and used soft texture to play up contemporary styles. Some pieces were heavily embellished with appliqués and floral embroidery, while others were unadorned, but equally glamorous. Fit-and-flare, mermaid and A-line shapes were subtle, allowing the fabric and craftsmanship to take center stage.
The collection was filled with a wide range of textiles used to give depth and character to each piece. Silk jacquard, embroidered tulle and metallic fil coupé were used throughout the presentation, some done in varying undertones of pink or silver. Pearl trim, floral embellishments and large, hand-cut floral overlays were found on skirts, trains and bodices—one particularly striking gown was covered in tightly bunched flowers at the neckline that fluttered and became scattered further down the train. Another seemed like a plain white gown at first glance, but was actually done in a subtle pink jacquard.
Despite being a contemporary brand aimed at the younger, more fashionable bride, Lela Rose offered up a collection of both traditional and on-trend silhouettes. Fluffy, tea-length wedding frocks were playful, while more traditional styles could be found in the line’s boat neck dresses and floor-length gowns. Perhaps the most stunning pieces were the V-neck, empire-waist dresses—one was done in a white and ivory floral jacquard and the other in a voluptuous tulle skirt embroidered with floral appliqués.
