A Texas Rose In New York

“I’ll be right
back,” Lela Rose tells me apologetically upon my arrival for our interview. “I
just have to bike Rosey to school.” But before I can warn the fashion designer
known for her ladylike looks that the ultra-chic, suede, stiletto booties she’s
sporting may be unadvisable for a winter bike ride, the svelte blonde and her
flaxen-haired little girl are off on an oversized tricycle complete with wagon and
basket.

Lucky for me, Lela’s commitment to do-it-herself drop-off
affords a grand tour of the 6,000 square foot Tribeca home she shares with her
husband, hedge fund manager Brandon Jones, and their two children, Grey (9) and
Rosey (4). A recent renovation showcases Lela’s signature penchant for fabric
and embellishment, not to mention quirky design (think hidden “tequila nook”—a
modern twist on the wine cellar—or the Monopoly hotel-shaped elevator for her
beloved Stitch, a ten-year old Norwich terrier).

Despite her walk-in, red-carpeted closet and a wardrobe to
rival any Sex and the City episode, this Texas transplant is a
self-described “Beverly Hillbilly.” And while one is reluctant to believe her—after
all, her ready-to-wear designs and bridal collection are favored by well-heeled
girly-girls like Zoe Saldana and Zooey Deschanel—it’s Lela’s DIY attitude toward
work and parenting that give you the sense she is as down-to-earth as she can
be in those 4” heels.

And in case you were wondering, they’re Lela Rose for
Payless, at the very down-to-earth price of $37.99.

As a fashion designer, did becoming a mom change your
approach to designing clothes or getting dressed?

I don’t think becoming a mother really changed the way I
either dress or the way that I design, but I think I’m a little unusual that
way; it’s always been important to me. People make fun of me sometimes because
you hardly ever see me in jeans. I’m usually in a dress. I grew up in Texas and
I feel like women there for the most part do dress.

May I ask how you met your husband, hedge fund manager,
Brandon Jones?

Yes, we met here in New York and we are both Texans.
Sometimes Texans seem to somehow only marry Texans.

How do you and your husband manage the duties in the
household with your busy schedules? 
How do you juggle it all?

I would say we do not manage well, nor juggle
well. We have our routine that works for us. Brandon and I will wash the dishes
and Grey dries them; Rosey loves to put things away and help me cook in the
kitchen.

You love to cook for your family—where did that come from?

I grew up with a mother who cooked every night. It is a
pleasure for me to get home from work and have that outlet. We pretty much eat
at home Monday through Thursday. I have a great nanny, Agnes, who I can ask to,
“chop this, pull this out of the refrigerator at this time, turn the oven on.”
She helps me get things to a certain step, which is really lovely.

Did you always know that you wanted to be a mom?

I did. For me, though, I was always pushing it five years
off. I remember when I got pregnant with Grey, I was traumatized. When it’s the
first time you’re pregnant, there’s a certain group of people who love to tell
you how you will never sleep again, how life as you know it is over. And
really, life as you did know it is over, but in a good way. It’s
such a joy and it always has been, it’s always been a ton of fun peppered with
some tough stuff. It’s not that bad!

What do you enjoy most about parenting your children at the
ages they are right now?

One thing I love about Rosey is she remembers every single
thing you tell her, and she remembers everyone she meets. And Grey is a
voracious reader; he just loves it. It’s fun to see their minds and how
they work.

Do they take after you or your husband in their
personalities?

I think Rosey is going to be more creative. Grey is more
mathematical, which is (like) my husband, but he’s also very creative, too.

Are your kids interested in your work, or in the fashion
world?

Rosey definitely is. She loves to come to the office.
I make her clothes all the time, so I’ll come home from work and she’ll say,
“Do I need new dresses today?” People are always complimenting her on her
clothes, and I feel like she’s kind of like, “Uh-huh, I do look pretty
good.” I don’t know how long this will last.

I assume she takes after her mom when it comes to dressing
up versus a more casual look?

It was too funny, Rosey had a soccer class and Agnes sends
me a picture of her in class. She’s got this giant flower in her hair, she’s in
a Peter Pan collared shirt, suspendered Bu and the Duck shorts and flats. And I
was like, “Agnes, is this proper soccer attire?” She goes, “Well, Lela, Rosey
owns no tennis shoes, no jeans, no athletic shorts and no t-shirts.” We don’t
buy her that stuff! She is literally in a dress or skirt and tights every day—even
the weekend.

How about Grey—do you still have influence over his choice
in clothing?

I have lost that battle. I used to make him stuff when he
was really young, but he is well beyond that stage. If he could be in camo all
day long, that’s what he wants to wear.

How do you enjoy the city with your children? Do you have
any specific places you like to go with them?

We do galleries more than we do museums. Although, we just
went up to MoMA on Christmas Eve. No one was there; it was the perfect day. We
bike everywhere. That is one my greatest joys of living in New York City. I
think it gives you such a sense of adventure.

Have you always biked everywhere?

I never commuted by bike until about seven years ago, and
I’ve lived here for 19 years. When I started I was like, “What have I been
doing?” I have missed so many great parts of living in New York City by not
biking!

Biking in the city with a family of four sounds a bit
intimidating. How do you make it work? What are the advantages?

The kids go everywhere on our bikes with us. We’ll bike over
to somewhere like Brooklyn and just explore. We’ll go to the Lower East Side to
the galleries, stop by a street fair or a performance that’s happening. That’s
the thing about a bike: it makes it so easy for you to just stop and do
something. 

How did you get involved with Transportation Alternatives,
the New York advocacy group for biking, walking and public transit?

I’ve known their executive director, Paul Steely White, for
a while and they asked me to join the board. It’s funny; I know most of the
messengers in the city! Honestly, the biking community is not that large. We’re
kind of a fervent crew. There hasn’t been that many people who I’ve converted,
but the ones that I have without fail say, “It’s changed my life.”

With all that biking, you seem like a pretty on-the-go
family.

We get out and do a lot. My husband is kind of a health nut.
He’s training for a triathlon. But Mr. Stitch here [Rose’s Norwich terrier] is
pure lazy. He doesn’t even walk. He’s kind of my old man.

That’s right—he has his own elevator!

Yes, the “Stitchevator.”

Well, let’s talk about the house renovation quickly. How did
you go about designing such a unique interior—including a system of interlocking
dining room tables?

This was a complete undertaking that took six years. We
worked with an architecture firm called Work AC and really designed something
that fit our family and lifestyle. I love to entertain and use different parts
of the apartment to do that. My husband, Brandon, hates to move furniture so I
said this is what he got: a table that comes down from the ceiling and one that
comes out of the floor.

You’ve incorporated a lot of quirky touches into the house,
like the felt-covered walls, Grey’s secondhand Eames chair covered in
rubberbands and Rosey’s bedroom window, with its honeycomb of drinking straws.

It’s really about taking materials that aren’t expensive and
using them in beautiful ways. Like the mesquite wood chips in the floors
downstairs; that’s a little nod to Texas. We really aren’t fancy people; we are
a little down-home.

Let’s talk clothes—did you always know you wanted to be a
fashion designer?

I always knew I wanted to work with my hands. The part that
I really love is working with fabrics and color and texture. I feel like at
work we get to do arts and crafts on a daily basis, which is really enjoyable.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

The thing that is great about New York City is there is so
much [inspiration] available to you just out on the street—the buildings here,
the architecture, the people, the food. New York is a constant barrage of
creativity if you’re open to looking for it.

Was there any kind of turning point in your career that took
your company and designs to the next level?

A lot of people started becoming more aware of us when we
dressed the Bush girls for their father’s inauguration (in 2000), but honestly I
feel like we’ve just been plodding along over the years, doing what we do and
doing a good job of it.
It hasn’t been all about this one
sky-rocketing moment. It’s been a lot of hard work and learning from your
customer about what they’re looking for on a seasonal basis.

With all the cooking, sewing and crafting around here, you
seem to be continuing in the traditions of the domestic arts—is that something
that’s important to you?

I don’t want to sound like a happy homemaker, but a part of
that is just realizing that you can do so many things yourself. It’s about a
level of confidence in yourself and realizing that, yes, you can do
these things. 
It’s not that I’m
this extraordinary cook, it’s that I cook a lot so I learned a lot about it.
There’s a real creative part of doing things for yourself. The more we move
away from that, the more disconnected we feel.

That can-do sentiment feels so downright Texan!

A friend of mind was like, “You’re like a cross between
Sarah Jessica Parker and someone pulling an oxen or something. A down-home
country thing mixed with this glamour part.” Maybe it does seem Texan. I think
it kinda seems a little bit like “Beverly Hillbillies.” I think it keeps you
more connected to community and tradition and family, and you’re a more
independent person the more that you can do your own things. Frankly, I also
think it’s just fun.

Photography by Michael Jurick.

Relevant Directory Listings

See More

LeapUp Learning

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">At our Mandarin Chinese Immersion Day Camp we will take your kids on an exciting, imaginative journey to famous Chinese cities. History, geography, architecture, unique customs and traditions, food and more will be introduced to kids in an interactive, fun and immersive language environment. Age appropriate activities such as games, storytelling, art projects, music and theater, sports and cooking as well as special demonstrations or performances.</span></p>

KTBYTE

<div><strong>Computer Science Coding Classes for Children </strong></div> <div> </div> <p>Ages 8 - 18</p> <p>Enroll today for a FREE Trial and our Summer and School Year Course Offerings!</p> <p>Differentiated and Individualized Learning with our Caring and Knowledgeable Staff!</p> <p>Offer YOUR child the competitive advantage of learning a new language and also using STEM to learn and have fun! </p> <p> </p> <div> <div id="m_3428097911001171987ktbyte-vision"> <p><strong>The KTBYTE vision</strong></p> <p>At KTBYTE, our vision is to make a high-quality Computer Science (CS) education accessible to students globally while also making CS exciting and engaging for them!</p> </div> <div id="m_3428097911001171987diffsimilar"> <p><strong>The KTBYTE Difference</strong></p> <p>KTBYTE offers a progressive Computer Science curriculum for students ages 8-18 years old. Classes range from introductory JavaBlocks™ programming to college-level courses. KTBYTE offers classes that stand out from the standard Core Curriculum for high-school students, with unique programs such as USACO prep courses, Generative Art and Design courses, and even Machine Learning courses. Our instructors are dedicated, nurturing and passionate about what they do and committed to ensuring that KTBYTE students are exposed to an unparalleled, dynamic, educational and engaging CS learning experience! Register today for a <a href="https://www.ktbyte.com/freetrial" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.ktbyte.com/freetrial&source=gmail&ust=1622725037124000&usg=AFQjCNED2R673ZzKakJOtaGSycFpwW73uw">Free Trial</a> and experience the KTBYTE Difference!</p> </div> <div id="m_3428097911001171987aluminiaccomp"> <p><strong>KTBYTE Alumni Accomplishments</strong></p> <p>KTBYTE alums consistently outperform their peers in terms of their academic accomplishments. KTBYTE students ace their AP CS courses and exams and are also incredibly successful through the competitive college admissions process. KTBYTE students have been accepted to numerous Ivy League and competitive colleges and universities including but not limited to Brown, Carnegie Mellon, UChicago, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Duke, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, MIT, UPenn, Princeton, Tufts, Yale, and many more!</p> </div> <div id="m_3428097911001171987shorttermbenef"> <p><strong>What Makes the KTBYTE Course Experience Unique?</strong></p> <p>At KTBYTE, all of our instructors are highly qualified and experienced, educational professionals who differentiate learning and offer KTBYTE students a multitude of opportunities for individualized instruction by spending hours each week preparing for each specialty class that they teach in order to offer a dynamic, engaging and fun educational course interaction for every KTBYTE student. Through our Virtual Machines, our instructors are able to see exactly what is on your child’s screen throughout every class, and as such are easily able to assist your child through any obstacle that may arise. At KTBYTE, our nurturing, knowledgeable and caring teaching staff anticipate and identify when a student may be struggling with a problem even before the student decides to ask a question about it.</p> </div> <div id="m_3428097911001171987whoareinstructors"> <p><strong>What Sets the KTBYTE Teaching Team Apart?</strong></p> <p>KTBYTE instructors are college and post-college working professionals with extensive backgrounds in computer science. At the highest level, our artificial intelligence classes are taught by a graduate sutdent in AI. Each of our teaching professionals is passionate about igniting a love for learning in your child by presenting Computer Science concepts in practical ways which offer the student the opportunity to see Computer Science at work in recognizable applications from daily life. Every class, regardless of level will be individualized and differentiated to ensure your child’s success!</p> </div> </div>

Dedimus Potestatem

<p>Dedimus Potestatem provides fun, engaging, academically challenging programs to students in primary, middle, and high school. Programs include Leadership, Debate, Model United Nations, Computer Programming, Financial Literacy, Filmmaking, Philosophy, Model Congress, Mock Trial, Etiquette, Bioethics, Stem and Bioethics, and more. We currently offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions and after-school programs. Contact us to bring us to your school today!</p> <p>Sessions</p> <p>We currently offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions as well as after-school programs. To register, visit <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow </a>or email us at <a href="mailto:[email protected]?subject=REGISTER" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[email protected]</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/leadership" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leadership: Middle School ages 10-13, High School ages 14-18</a></p> <p>This is a unique leadership course that gives students the skills they need to succeed in life. Using an activity-based syllabus centered around character traits most sought and admired in leaders (initiative, honesty, self-control, adaptability, empathy, persuasiveness, resourcefulness, diligence, tolerance, determination, generosity, punctuality, courage, reliability, endurance, deference, creativity and integrity) students learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life. These building blocks will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society. Our grading rubric was adapted with the permission of Neil Mercer, the Director of research and Head of Faculty at The University of Cambridge.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/little-leaders-prek-and-kindergarten" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Little Leaders: Primary School Ages 6-9</a></p> <p>Developed by former pre-school and elementary teachers, this ethics-centered program utilizes a play-based method to encourage students to explore and apply soft skills in their daily lives. While cultivating the skills they will need to build strong, successful relationships, they will learn how to find their voice and showcase themselves in the best way. Students will learn to communicate and negotiate so they can be better team leaders and team players. Students will learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life, such as bullying, cheating, conflicts between two or more parties, and more. The inculcation of these values in our children's formative years will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/beginnersdebate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech & Debate</a> (competitive and non-competitive programs available)</p> <p>This online after-school program prepares students for formal and informal presentations. Participants learn to craft and present arguments and inform, persuade, and motivate an audience in a variety of ways. According to the English Speaking Union, debate is a natural fit for students and compliments common core standards. Debate builds literacy and multi-media research skills, fosters critical thinking and expanded perspectives, enhances public speaking skills, increases confidence, trains students to listen effectively, supports diverse learners and strengthens civil engagement and discourse. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-un" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model United Nations (Ages 11-18)</a></p> <p>Model UN simulates the six major organs of the United Nations. Students role play as delegates from a country of their choosing and learn to write and present resolutions based on topics they are passionate about-just as if they were representing member states of the United Nations. We utilize materials from National Model UN and video tutorials to teach students how to write and present position papers, working papers, and draft resolutions. Students use debate and negotiation to enlist the support of other delegates for their resolution. Model UN is a great way to teach students leadership skills like communication, conflict resolution, negotiation, and delegation.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/self-defense-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Self Defense and Empowerment</a></p> <p>Developed by a veteran Krav Maga specialist, this self-defense program will focus on the principle of healthy minds in healthy bodies. Students will focus on de-escalation techniques as well as safe and active means of self-defense. Through active games and fun drills, students will learn the disciplined focus, critical thinking, adaptability, and resilience necessary to achieve goals, as well as gain valuable social insights into leadership and teamwork. Students will expend energy and reduce stress while learning to stand and present confidently.</p> <p>Mock Trial (<a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fairy Tale Mock Trial for ages 7-9</a>, regular <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mock Trial Ages 10-18</a>)</p> <p>Mock trial is a hands-on simulation of the American judicial system. The goal is to help participants acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system, develop analytical abilities and communication skills, display leadership in a court of law, and gain an understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as participating members of our society. Materials for this course are provided by The American Bar Association.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-congress" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model Congress: Ages 10-18</a></p> <p>This civics course simulates the legislative process. Students will learn about the electoral process, lobby for issues they are passionate about, draft and deliver bills, amend legislation, debate international policy, and learn how to effectively represent a constituent body of their choosing. We utilize materials from The Constitutional Rights Foundation, ICivics (founded by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor) and the National Model U.S. Congress. These resources have been proven to improve students’ civic knowledge, presentation, and core literacy skills. New research has also shown that the use of the aforementioned materials has also led to increased participation in the democratic process. Our objective in this course is to educate the next generation, nurture and inculcate a passion for civics and history and encourage young people to advocate for themselves.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/philosophy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Philosophy</a></p> <p>The focus of the Philosophy class is to examine and understand the ideas behind the most popular philosophies embraced throughout the world. To do this, students examine ethical situations through the lens of these philosophies and engage in a Socratic style debate. Students are presented with an ethical question and they must identify stakeholders and players within the dilemma, discuss the key moral issues and present opposing viewpoints. This class was built for students who wish to <a href="https://nhseb.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">compete in the middle or high school Ethics Bowl</a>. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/money-matters-financial-literacy-for-kids-afterschool">Money Matters: Financial Literacy for Students</a></p> <p>The Money Matters course is built to help students manage their personal finances, from building credit and loan applications to interest rates and investing strategies. This class will cover the basics of financial health, savings, spending habits, and budgeting. After learning how to store, track, and spend responsibly, students will learn about risk management, APRs, and tax preparation. This class will use real-life examples and teach students how to set and achieve financial goals. This course is ideal for middle and high school students.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/stem-dna-ethics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">STEM and Bioethics: (Ages 10-18)</a></p> <p>Our STEM program will give kids the opportunity to think critically about science and society, and to practice communicating scientific topics in ways everyone can understand. To be a successful scientist in our modern world, one must not only have a broad understanding of scientific material learned at school, but also the ability to communicate effectively and share that knowledge with others. Each week of this program will build on the previous while also introducing new scientific topics for discussion.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/virtual-after-school-etiquette" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Etiquette (Ages 5 and up)</a></p> <p>Due to increasing popular demand from groups and individuals, we have decided to offer our etiquette course as an eight week after-school class. Students will not only learn how to introduce themselves and their friends, they will explore appropriate language for quotidian and special occasions, how to enter and leave conversations, proper table behavior for different scenarios, effective strategies for conflict resolution and negotiation, the importance of tone, expression, and body language in every social interaction and why manners and soft skills are essential to a successful life.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech and Essay Writing: Ages 10-18</a></p> <p>This group class includes eight one-hour online sessions focused on the creation, development, and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches. This program is tailored to the needs of the individual(s) in question and can include essay writing, use of stylistic devices, and persuasive rhetoric and/or instructions on how to craft and deliver a persuasive or informative multidimensional presentation with compelling slides, audio, and videos.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/visual-storytelling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visual Storytelling</a></p> <p>Multimedia platforms have increasingly become more popular for educators, artists and businesses. Young people all over the world have begun using media to amplify initiatives, educate, share science, poetry, art, movement, culture and more. In this class students will learn to capture brief videos that share their voice and vision with the world.</p> <p>College application course </p> <p>Discover the fundamentals of style, narrative, and theme for the ideal college application essays! In these sessions, you will begin by examining outstanding Personal Statements and by brainstorming your own. Then, move on to draft and edit the specialized supplemental essays for each college on your list. Space is limited to ensure personalized attention.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Academic writing</a> </p> <p>These are sessions focused on academic writing. Our tutors have years of experience in drafting, editing, and teaching essay writing. Each package will include a consultation with our tutors to assess individual needs. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/test-prep-sat-shsat-act-gre-gmat-asvab-tachs-more">Test Prep: SAT, SHSAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, ASVAB, TACHS + more</a></p> <p>These classes are focused on identifying the quickest and most efficient path toward improving students' standardized test scores. Starting with a diagnostic practice exam, this program will target the key subject matter your students need to master while integrating timing, triage, and practice strategies. We aim to regularly emulate the real-life conditions of tests until students are comfortable working quickly, accurately, and efficiently. Sessions can be one hour or two hours in length, as needed.</p> <p>Computer Programming: Coding for Kids</p> <p>In these sessions, we start by discussing the basics of computer programming, what it is, what it can do, and what it was built on. Then we will begin experimenting with block-based programming languages. Students will learn the basics of computer architecture, binary code, compilers, and algorithms. By the end of the course, students will be able to produce small programs of their own. The cost of materials is not included. This class is available to younger students (Ages K-1) and middle and high school students. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>