For Spring 2013, Oscar de la Renta decided to have a little fun. The designer dished out his usual classic silhouettes (when will a well-tailored pencil skirt and blazer ever go out of style?), adding welcome shots of youthful cheek and a few choice dashes of whimsy.
This collection conjures images of the fashionable politician’s wife desperately trying to get out of the rut of wearing modest skirt and pantsuits to every public event. De la Renta’s Spring offerings provide this woman, suffering from sartorial ennui with lively, yet “politically correct” looks.
De la Renta serves up liquid latex leather skirts in eye-popping hues as well as tailored jackets, frocks, and blouses touched with lace and blooming floral appliqués. Modest hemlines are saucified with thigh-high slits.
The designer added bauble-like beads to his retro (think ’50s and ’60s fare) tailored jackets, dresses, and skirts.
When I said this collection was fun, I wasn’t kidding. I usually love everything de la Renta puts out, and this season is no exception. I couldn’t help but imagine First Lady Michelle Obama in many of these looks, although I (and de la Renta) are painfully aware that she’s never publicly worn his clothes. I wonder why? I see so many pieces in this collection perfect for state dinners, public school appearances, campaign trail events, etc. We may never know, but Oscar, if you’re listening out there, I’d be happy to take from MObama’s reject pile.
What do you think?
~Jihan
September 14, 2012 1:38 pm
Brilliant as always! Beautiful!
September 14, 2012 2:02 pm
Very nice
September 14, 2012 2:53 pm
Oscar De La Renta…. Gorge!!!!!!!! Can never go friggin wrong! The dresses and jumpers are too die for!!!
Blackandolives.blogspot.com
September 14, 2012 3:12 pm
LOVE this collection!
September 14, 2012 3:26 pm
Let me pull a Salma Hayek & marry for perpetual clothing privileges. LOVE this.
September 14, 2012 4:05 pm
Oscar did an amazing job. Loving several of the pieces.
September 14, 2012 4:32 pm
This collection is FRESH! I love the belts on the pencil skirts, the appliqués and the colour combos- hot pink and turquoise and the brilliant mix of patterns in the uni-colour outfits.
September 14, 2012 5:17 pm
Wow!! Looking at each dress just made me happy lol
September 15, 2012 1:43 am
Now I can see why he got slammed,,,,not very different,,nice for 45 and older,… One dress was beautiful,,
September 15, 2012 1:33 pm
Beautiful!!!
September 16, 2012 7:05 pm
Not his best work, it was dated textiles and silhouette with young colors and accessories. Looks like it was fight with itself. the skirt cuts wasn’t flattering nor those jumpsuits.
September 22, 2012 11:44 pm
I think there are at least two reasons Michelle doesn’t wear Oscar: She is supporting lots of unknown designers and two he has more than once been publicly critical of the way she dresses. So while I admit to loving his clothes I am glad Michelle has gone in another fashion direction.