Podcast Summary: Journey to Jackson Hole - feat. Lela Rose

Episode Release Date: August 1, 2025
Podcast Title: The Interview with Leslie Heaney
Host: Leslie Heaney
Guest: Lela Rose, Iconic American Fashion Designer

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Interview with Leslie Heaney, host Leslie interviews Lela Rose, a renowned American fashion designer who transitioned from the bustling fashion scene of New York to the serene landscapes of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The conversation delves into Lela's illustrious career, her creative evolution, and her latest venture, Lila Rose Ranch.

Early Career and Entry into Fashion

Lela Rose begins by sharing her unconventional start in the fashion industry. Despite being a self-proclaimed "terrible student," she exhibited entrepreneurial spirit from a young age.

[03:49] Lela Rose: "I was always a really creative person and not an academic, but I was always starting businesses from a young age."

Her passion for fashion led her to New York, where she attended Parsons School of Design. After three years in the industry, Lela took the bold step of launching her own company, operating out of her apartment with a single seamstress.

[06:06] Lela Rose: "I was like, I can do this on my own. And basically started my own company, which was ridiculous to be."

Despite initial setbacks—such as specialty stores not paying upfront—her persistence paid off when Neiman Marcus picked up her collection during her third season in business.

[07:05] Lela Rose: "Neiman's picked us up, which I was like, oh my God, we have made it like Neiman Marcus has picked up the collection."

However, challenges with quality control led to a temporary setback, teaching her valuable lessons about maintaining high standards in fashion.

Transition to Bridal and Launching Lila Rose Ranch

Expanding her creative horizons, Lela transitioned from ready-to-wear to bridal fashion, viewing wedding gowns as the "ultimate party" attire.

[09:07] Lela Rose: "Why are we not doing wedding gowns? That's the ultimate party."

In 2023, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Lela made a significant life change by relocating to Jackson Hole with her family. This move was fueled by her husband's long-standing desire to leave New York and embrace a more nature-centric lifestyle.

[15:41] Lela Rose: "It's a Covid thing. We'd been coming out here for 26 years, but we moved out here full time."

This transition birthed her latest project, Lila Rose Ranch, a boutique in Wilson, Wyoming. The store, designed as a charming log cabin, showcases an eclectic mix of vintage and newly crafted pieces, embodying Lela's unique blend of fashion and Western aesthetics.

[14:30] Lela Rose: "We are our own little Prada Marfa."

Life in Jackson Hole

Lela paints a vivid picture of life in Jackson Hole, highlighting its natural beauty and the balance between creative pursuits and outdoor adventures. She shares her love for glamping, hiking, and the unpredictable encounters with local wildlife.

[21:17] Lela Rose: "I wake up to the sound of the birds chirping and the geese flying over the water."

Her deep connection to the outdoors influences not only her lifestyle but also her approach to entertaining and fashion design.

Entertaining and Outdoor Lifestyle

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Lela's passion for entertaining. She integrates her love for cooking and outdoor settings into her fashion philosophy, emphasizing the harmony between attire and ambiance.

[10:05] Lela Rose: "The dress has always been something I've totally believed in... why are we not doing wedding gowns?"

Lela shares practical tips from her books on entertaining, such as creating elevated outdoor dinner parties with a mix of high and low elements. She emphasizes the importance of thoughtful details, from cloth napkins to specialty cocktails.

[37:19] Lela Rose: "Cloth napkins, glassware... everything is super cute and fun."

Future Projects and Store Expansion

Looking ahead, Lela reveals exciting plans for collaboration and expansion. She is set to collaborate with Lucchese, a prestigious bootmaker, launching a line of custom cowboy boots in the spring.

[52:40] Lela Rose: "I've always wanted to design cowboy boots. We have a collaboration with Lucchese coming out in spring of next year."

Additionally, Lela discusses the opening of new stores, including one in Fort Worth and a redesigned location in Dallas' Highland Park Village, reflecting her evolving brand identity.

Recommendations for Visitors

Lela offers valuable insights for those planning to visit Jackson Hole, suggesting must-visit restaurants, outdoor activities, and shopping spots. Highlights include:

• Snake River Grill: A classic Jackson Hole restaurant known for its quintessential Jackson experience.

  [30:02] Lela Rose: "Snake River Grill... treat you to a Jackson experience."

• Cowboy Bar: A long-standing venue where guests can dance with actual cowboys and enjoy live bands.

  [31:16] Lela Rose: "You can dance with actual cowboys... it is so much fun."

• Recommended Hikes: Lela discusses beginner-friendly hikes like "Death to Patrol" and more challenging trails such as "Two Oceans."

  [44:36] Lela Rose: "Death to Patrol... it's utterly gorgeous."

For entertaining outdoors, she recommends using elegant, reusable items to maintain a high aesthetic without the mess.

[38:19] Lela Rose: "I use glassware where it's not going to break... Everything is super cute and fun."

Conclusion

Leslie and Lela wrap up the conversation with mutual appreciation for each other's ventures and a light-hearted exchange about enduring the summer heat. Lela's vibrant spirit and dedication to her craft shine through, leaving listeners inspired to explore both her fashion line and the picturesque town of Jackson Hole.

Notable Quotes

• Lela Rose on Creativity:

  [02:50] "Who better to take us out there than Lela Rose... she's a modern day superwoman."

• On Starting Her Own Company:

  [06:49] "I'm a very persistent person who's just like, I have a dream and I'm gonna get there no matter what."

• On Entertaining Philosophy:

  [12:05] "Nothing says chic like matching your drink to your dress."

• About Lila Rose Ranch:

  [14:32] "We are our own little Prada Marfa."

• Future Collaboration:

  [52:58] "We're opening up one in Fort Worth in September... our collaboration with Lucchese."

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a comprehensive look into Lela Rose's dynamic career and her seamless integration of fashion with the natural charm of Jackson Hole. Her insights on creativity, perseverance, and lifestyle make this a must-listen for fashion enthusiasts and travelers alike.

Upcoming Episode: Don't miss the next interview with Wendy Benchley, Peter Benchley's widow and executive producer of the Jaws 50th-anniversary movie, as well as an ocean conservationist.

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