Designer Lela Rose merges western aesthetics with formal wear in her upcoming collection, inspired by Gilded Age restaurateur Fred Harvey’s dining culture.
Lela Rose has drawn upon a unique historical figure as inspiration for her upcoming fall 2025 fashion collection: Fred Harvey, a Gilded Age restaurateur notable for establishing dining venues along the Santa Fe Railroad. While many might not immediately associate Harvey with fashion, Rose’s interest lies not in Harvey’s style, but in the lifestyle he fostered—one where railroad passengers dressed formally to enjoy their meals in his restaurants.
Incorporating elements of this vision with her own experiences in Jackson, Wyoming, Rose is set to present a collection that marries western aesthetics with formal wear. Highlights of her latest designs include jackets featuring fringed pockets and gowns characterized by saloon-style bustiers. The color palette of this collection showcases faded, moody jewel tones, evoking what Rose describes as a “cowboy noir” aesthetic. To further enhance this ambiance, the lookbook is presented with a filter reminiscent of early photography, particularly the daguerreotype style. “The Fred Harvey era is very much about corsetry and draping,” Rose explained, indicating the profound influence of his era on her design choices.
Despite this deep connection to western themes, Rose remains attuned to her primarily New York City-based clientele, who frequently attend social gatherings ranging from casual lunches to extravagant galas. To cater to this sophisticated audience, she has also turned to the renowned formalwear designer Charles James for inspiration, particularly in the creation of an evening dress adorned with crystal embellishments. Pivotal pieces include a striking white gown featuring a black off-the-shoulder neckline that Rose believes would have been an appropriate choice for a refined event like Truman Capote’s famous black-and-white ball.
While Fred Harvey and Charles James seemingly exist in different worlds, Rose identifies a significant commonality between them: both figures represent eras that celebrated the art of dressing up. “I’ve always loved dressing for occasions,” she remarked, underscoring her belief that fashion is meant to be an expression of personal celebration and artistry.
Source: Noah Wire Services
