Celebrity designer Lela Rose is no stranger to White House fashion, as she has been a favourite of the Bush twins, Jenna and Barbara over the last few years and has created many outfits for them, including the bridesmaid dresses for Jenna’s recent wedding.

Here’s what Lela had to say about the Bush twins:

No, the casually stylish Bush twins don’t have a stylist. And yes, they’re both fashionistas who pick out their hip, body-hugging clothes themselves. That’s according to designer Lela Rose, who has created several casual and evening outfits for Barbara and Jenna Bush, 22, to wear to events at the Republican convention.

“They both have a sophisticated but eclectic style, and Barbara more so. She’s always been interested in fashion,” says Rose, 35. “Jenna follows her lead somewhat.”  Barbara wore a Lela Rose pale, strappy dress for her appearance during the MTV Video Music Awards. Rose isn’t sure when her other outfits will appear, but she’s not fretting that two of her most famous clients — yes, they pay for their gear — will make fashion faux pas.

“They’re experimental with their style and what they think is appropriate for them,” Rose says. “And first lady Laura Bush is great about letting them dress the way they feel like is appropriate for them. She never tries to manage what they’re wearing.” Rose, a longtime friend of the Bush family, calls the twins’ look “elegant but age-appropriate.”

Barbara and Jenna first came to a trunk show of the Texas-born, now New York-based designer in Dallas years ago and have been fans ever since.  When they’re in New York, they stop by her showroom to peruse her frothy blouses, ornate coats and flapper-style dresses. Sometimes, Rose creates one-of-a-kind pieces for them. Or they wear off-the-rack designs.

Lela Rose Spring Collection

Not that Rose, who has also dressed Ashley Judd and Julia Roberts, would critcise two of her most famous clients.  “They’re both such nice girls,” she says. “They’re both very easygoing and don’t take themselves too seriously. I don’t think they go to a dinner party and want to talk politics. They enjoy being girls.”

And here’s another reason she has good things to say about two young women who generally shun the press.

“They’ve never tried to use their family as a way to get something,” she says. “They’ve always tried to be independent and do their own thing. I’ve only seen them act very gracious and lovely.”

And what about the new First Family?

The Obama Family

Michelle Obaman has won plaudits aplenty for her sense of style and it’s something she’s clearly passed on to her daughters, Malia, 10, and seven-year-old Sasha, too; the childrenswear industry in the US is gearing up for a huge boost now there are two youngsters in the political spotlight.

“When the Bush family entered the White House, Jenna and Barbara were older and already had their styles pretty well established,” explains Lela. ”But with the Obama girls, we will see their styles develop right before our eyes. I do think that we shouldn’t expect too much, since they are so young, but I would love to see them become not so matchy and really come into their own.”