I have swooned over the gorgeous florals and delicate prints of Lela Rose for years, so I was positively giddy when Lane Bryant announced their collaboration with her last fall. I attended the preview at the picturesque restaurant The Park, and was happy to discover that the collection is true to Lela Rose’s signature aesthetic – not at all dulled down in the name of arbitrary fashion rules about what plus size women should or should not wear.

With designer Lela Rose (and her adorably devoted pup)

Talking to designer Lela Rose about the collection confirmed that this was a conscious decision – she emphasized that she did not take a different approach for the plus size customer, because we want the same things that all women do.  This was incredibly refreshing to hear: So many designers venturing beyond straight sizes treat plus size women like a size first and a person second.  Lela Rose made sure to consult with technical designers for a great fit for the Lane Bryant collab, but prioritized authentic design.  The gorgeous collection is evidence of that:

We also discussed the very tactile creative process behind the collection’s prints, from the literal watercolors that formed the basis for the watercolor florals, to the stacked layers of tulle that turned into a print that is at once both modern and feminine:

Even the solid color pieces shine, like the versatile navy dress and the statement yellow swing dress.  Everything exudes a sense of springy joy.  The full collection is now available online now, and will be in Lane Bryant stores April 13th.

Models at the Lela Rose x Lane Bryant presentation, with the designer’s own bike (that she rode to the show!)

Check below for the full lookbook, and let me know your favorite piece:

Shop the full collection here right now!