By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
January 17, 2001
All eyes may not be on George W. Bush at Saturday’s inauguration–not with his photogenic daughters, Barbara and Jenna, sharing the spotlight.
The 19-year-old twins have enlisted Texas-born designer Lela Rose to create their outfits for their dad’s big day.
“The girls definitely have their own sense of style and were very easy to work with,” says Rose, whose classically feminine designs have been worn by celebrities such as Ashley Judd and Sharon Stone. “They weren’t difficult to dress at all. When you’re 19, gorgeous and have a great body, it’s really easy to find anything that looks good on you.
“They’d worn my pieces in the past, but this is they first time they’ve asked me to custom design anything for them. It has really been a fun challenge as well as quite the honor.”
At the Republican National Convention this summer, the twins accessorized their body-skimming shirts and asymmetrical skirts with animal-print purses. This time around, Barbara–who was voted by her high school classmates as “most likely to appear on the cover of Vogue”–and Jenna (“most likely to trip on prom night”) will display shades of Jackie O. chic.
“The girls wanted to look sophisticated and put together, without looking too suity,” says Rose, 31, who has known the Bush family for more than a decade. “They wanted to show off their personalities as well, so we worked all that into the outfits we chose for them.”
Barbara came to Rose with the idea that she wanted to wear a soft jacket–perhaps something made of leather. So Rose designed a pink leather jacket with understated black, sawtooth piping. Her black-and-white houndstooth wool dress–which hits right below the knee–is trimmed with leather. And her overcoat matches her dress.
For Jenna, Rose worked with checkerboard camel cashmere and silk blends. Her straight, camel skirt with green stitch detail at the hemline is topped by a wool/cashmere knit top lined with green chiffon. The sweater gets a extra kick with subtle polka dots that have been woven into the fabric. Her coat–which is a little longer than knee-length–is adorned with green stitch work.
“I think both ensembles are soft and playful, but also sophisticated,” says Rose, whose designs are sold in Chicago at Ultimo. “It’s important to remember that they’re not kids and they’re not matrons. They’re young women of 19 and like to dress accordingly.”
As for parental input, Rose maintains that neither George W. nor his wife, Laura, has interfered with her work.
“Laura knew we understood what the girls needed to look like,” Rose says. “I don’t think we would’ve been picked to design their outfits if they didn’t have confidence in our abilities. I think everyone will be pleased with the results. The twins will look beautiful.”
