Lela Rose Brings Fort Worth’s Bowie House Western-Chic Style

For American designer Lela Rose, setting up a retail residency in a hotel is about bringing the spirit of her Lela Rose Ranch line to life. On Friday, she told WWD that she has injected her western-chic style into the cultural fabric of Fort Worth, Texas, inside the heart of Auberge Resort Collection’s urban retreat, Bowie House.

Texas-born Rose said the space was designed in collaboration with New York-based design firm Studio DB, which was founded by Britt and Damian Zunino, who are known in and around New York for their elevated, playful vision. Located next to the urban retreat’s living room, the space combines the lifestyles of Bowie House and Lela Rose, blending colors and textures that echo Fort Worth’s unique landscape and architecture. Inside, a selection of pieces from the Lela Rose Ranch collection are sold alongside vintage finds, and elements that nod to the artistry of the American West.

“A residency is about creating a living, breathing experience of the brand in a setting that feels authentic to the place. I love that it allows people to experience our collections in a way that feels connected to their lifestyle — whether they’re traveling through Fort Worth or calling it home,” she emphasized, adding that she’s focused on creating a sense of community and engaging with clients on a more personal level and in a relaxed way.

Gaylord Lamy, Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection’s general manager, said Rose elevates the hotel experience with her Texan aesthetic and New York City allure.

“These retail residencies not only provide an added amenity for hotel guests, but also generate increased interest and engagement from the local community. Collaborations like these enrich the lifestyle experience, strengthen community connections, and give our guests something truly special during their stay,” Lamy said.

The Bowie House location isn’t the only new opening that Rose, who trained as a painter and sculptor before getting into fashion, has planned for her 28-year-old company. She will debut a namesake store this fall, and another one will be unveiled in the spring. Her ready-to-wear and bridal company is based in New York City and caters to notable clients like Gwyneth Paltrow, Jessica Chastain, Claire Danes, Anne Hathaway, Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldaña, Uma Thurman, Jessica Alba and Selma Blair, among others. She’s also created a world around her brands with concepts and publications that conjure conviviality and help build a community.

Over Fourth of July weekend, she unveiled Lela Rose Country Mart in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Housed in a pint-size log cabin, the designer served up hospitality essentials and prêt-à-picnic experiences through the month of August. Her Wyoming outpost was situated on the same picturesque property as Lela Rose Ranch — the store where the designer’s clothing and accessories are sold.

She has also published two books on entertaining: “Prêt-a-Party” and “Fresh Air Affairs.”

The Fort Worth project, she enthused, is special because she has a “deep love for Texas and the way it blends tradition with modernity.” The Bowie House was opened in 2023 in the Cultural District, where there is a vibrant equestrian scene that calls to mind the days when cowboys and cattle once roamed the area.

“At Bowie House, there’s a distinctly western point of view that resonates with me — it’s sophisticated, but it doesn’t lose that rugged, authentic spirit. For me, it feels like a homecoming of sorts — to bring my brand into this space that reflects so much of the Texas spirit I grew up with,” she reflected.