Known for her feminine and graceful aesthetic, fashion designer Lela Rose “believes in entertaining and entertaining often.” Her fashionable approach to hosting combines her love of mixing high and low (with a specialty cocktail, naturally).
Recently, she welcomed a small group of friends and editors to the debut of her Fall 2017 Bridal Collection at one of her favorite NYC restaurants, The Pavilion. Harkening back to salon-style presentations, Lela invited only 100 guests for an intimate, seated luncheon. The pearl-themed event (and collection) created a perfect setting for our Pearl Napkin Ring.
We sat down with Lela to ask her a few questions about the gorgeous event and her entertaining inspiration. She also shared the recipe for her on-theme cocktail, The French Pearl (spoiler alert: it’s delicious!):
—
Why was this event special?
This recent show was special for a few reasons. It was our 10-year anniversary in Bridal and we wanted to celebrate! This was the first time that we did a “show” for Bridal which encompassed food, fashion, and fun. The table decor, food and drink tied in the details from the collection as much as the dresses.
When I was imagining the tables, I wanted it to feel…
Chic, Sophisticated, and fun. I wanted my guests to think, ‘Ooh, this is going to be fun!’
What was the inspiration behind the tables?
The table decor was really informed by the collection we were showcasing. The collection was a return to brand’s heritage and iconic details — mostly in the form of a pearl. From the Pearl Napkin Ring in Ivory and Gold atop a pink plate with a dusty grey napkin (the brand colors), to the fried oyster with a pearl canape pick, to the French Pearl cocktail, everything was centered around the pearl. Then, you saw the collection and really had a sense of how much I like the idea of “dress yourself, dress your table.”
Tell us about the presentation’s signature cocktail, The French Pearl:
The French Pearl was the perfect cocktail for the time of the day (and obviously, its name). It is a light gin cocktail that we garnished with edible flowers to give it a beautiful perfume. The pearly color was also the perfect to go alongside the dresses. One of my entertaining mottos is, “Nothing says chic like matching your drink to your dress.”
—
We’ll toast to that!
The French Pearl
¾ oz. Lime Juice
¾ oz. Cane Syrup
1 Sprig Mint
2 oz. Gin
¼ oz. Pernod Classic Pastis
Lime and Mint for Garnish
Combine the lime juice, cane syrup and mint sprig in a cocktail shaker and muddle. Add the Pernod and gin. Fill the shaker top the top with ice and shake well. Double strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lime wheel and mint sprig.
Cheers!
SHOP THIS ARTICLE
Photography provided by Lela Rose
