Few know how to entertain quite like Lela Rose. The designer is famous for hosting memorable soirées (see her book about the art of entertaining).

It’s only natural that Rose’s social prowess should find its way into her always lively and popular presentations. Not even an errant rain shower could keep the crowd away from Jefferson Market Garden in the West Village, where she unveiled her new bridal designs.

Rose has always favored an interactive presentation format (as opposed to a traditional runway or showroom situation), but she outdid herself this season with a wedding-reception-slash-bridal-show held al fresco, complete with cake, cocktails, and a band.

Rose has been busy carving out her place in the fashion consciousness by catering to women with a refined yet unfettered spirit – think chic social butterflies. Romance and whimsy took top billing for Fall 2019, and the marriage of the two pillars often yielded the most visually interesting results.

The best example? A strapless dress rendered in luxurious guipure lace with a bustier top that featured shades of pale pink and coral brushstrokes splashed across the bodice. The ombré effect was quietly unexpected and kept all of that lace from seeming saccharine.

Some models swanned about the garden in pristine white wedding dresses boasting floral fil coupe and off-the-shoulder flounces woven from crepe and organza. Others found shade underneath their own pretty, printed parasol (which had initially been provided for no other apparent reason than to coyly twirl it around in videos captured for Instagram and Snapchat).

And if Rose were to deliver a similar accessory for something other than a fabulous party prop in the future, it’s safe to assume that her devoted brides will be among the first lining up to buy it.