Oscar de la Renta is one of those great designers for which there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Most of the time, however, he is the one leading the way with flashlight in hand. Fall was no exception. The richly vibrant collection he presented was iconoclastic, upping the ante on understated glitz and glamour he has long been associated with. It was clear there was an Eighties vibe happening, from the big, feathered ‘dos and glossy makeup to the architectural sturdiness of a gold astrakhan printed silk faille embroidered coat. Look five–a cinnamon alpaca coat with orchid alpaca collar–set the tone for the rest of the collection. From something as simple as a navy flannel dress emerged a dip-dyed emerald astrakhan printed cloqué dress. Not to say de la Renta didn’t show black; rather, he used it as a canvas upon which he embroidered all sorts of colorful floral prints. For evening, the canvas was much more subdued. A subtle knee-length cocktail dress in beaded lace jacquard and a black double-faced coat embroidered in a similar Art Deco style was refreshing, as was a matador’s organza blouse and high-waisted black pants with fans embroidered down the sides. Standout gowns included a silver satin back crepe and crinkle lame gown as well as black silk faille gown with a delicate and delightful fluted back, the latter shouting to have a grand red carpet moment.
a simple elegance lady style,