Oscar de la Renta Fall 2008

Remember how amazing Oscar’s Spring ’08 collection was? The Fall collection is even more stunning! Presented once again at 583 Park, Oscar wowed the house with yet another jaw dropping collection. Mr. de la Renta is indisputably the greatest American designer in fashion history. Over 40 years of gorgeous gowns, beautifully fitted suits and classic cocktail dresses yet he manages to make it appear fresh and modern every time (63 looks this season, the most we have seen all week!).The first look, a granite boiled cashmere jacket with cross fox fur and amethyst moire trapunto stitched jacquard skirt set the tone of the luxe collection to come, one that is made for ladies who live, not merely lunch. For day, Oscar’s girl can luxuriate in slim fitting jackets in boiled cashmere over skirts or full-cut flannel pants, or grab a distressed leather curly haired shearling jacket juxtaposed with soft silk wool skirt. My favorite detail was the plethora of furs offered throughout the collection, from sumptuous sable coats to casually cool shearling vests- it was all done tastefully. The granite broadtail coat with fisher color struck a chord with me, paired with a bronze silk-wool floral jacquard dress (on ethereal beauty Han), it is a look I see myself in as it is youthful yet offers plenty of glamour. For evening he created cocktail dresses with gold embroidery and leaf print, high waist jewel toned pants with tulle overlay paired with red ruffle silk top, and gowns in simple columns of black silk velvet or silk crepe and magnificent layers of embroidered champagne tulle (the finale and my absolute favorite of the week, shown with a bronze shearling embroidered vest and gold ostrich sandals- it is on top of my wish list!). I had a clear view of the entryway where the models were emerging from and I noticed Oscar de la Renta quietly and unassumingly standing in the shadows behind the door. He is the picture of elegance and gentility, much like his collection.There are also more than a few great bags you can expect come Fall, we got a sneak peek on the runway but will being viewing the entire bag collection tomorrow. I sat next to the lovely Susan Mathieu, Director of Retail, who introduced me to Steven Mathieu, Retail Manager at Large, and Alexander Bolen, the CEO of Oscar de la Renta. They graciously invited us to the showroom to view the bags up close and personal so we can give you a full report. Stay tuned!