The Establishment - OSCAR DE LA RENTA:
Oscar produced one of the best shows of the season- it was totally consistent with his aesthetic and a complete evolution of what he has been doing thus far- in other words, it was very ‘Oscar’ all the way through. Thoroughly and completely feminine, chic, and refined, it nonetheless remained youthful, nonchalant (never uptight or stiff), and oozed an easy, glamorous sportswear feeling. Perfectly put together and accessorized, it never appeared to be too precious or ‘done- up’, mixing a bit of 60’s St. Tropez, the exotic (Indian), and nautical. It was marked by a group of colorful and bold ikat prints, some of the best sweaters around- which were used for both day and evening, embroidered or sequined tweeds and boucles, a crisply tailored navy cotton ottoman jacket with large gold buttons worn with striped sweater and white pants; and his always highly feminine and alluring eveningwear.

Standouts include the marvelous ikat print trench coat with matching shoulder bag; his new softer takes on the traditional suit: a navy crochet sweater worn with navy and beige tweed panel skirt, or the yellow cotton crochet sweater with aqua silk embroidered skirt and straw belt; the jewel encrusted printed chiffon halter gown; a printed bathing suit with printed chiffon coat; the tulle embroidered feather cocktail dress; a frothy ivory lace embroidered top paired with black taffeta tiered skirt and gold leather sandal; the group of voluminous mid calf silk faille skirts and dresses, and the white and navy silk sweaters with open backs worn with long white or navy silk georgette skirts (simple, divine, and timeless).

One sweet personal note, this was truly a family affair- not only is his daughter in law, Eliza Reed Bolen, head of design, but his young adopted son Moises designed the printed t-shirts which were shown on the runway, and a credit was given on the show program.