It felt like the epicentre of ladylike in the Prince George Ballroom. Something from an exclusive bygone era but with an exciting contemporary tone. But then again, this was Oscar de la Renta and Peter Copping did not fail the fashion houses legions of fans old and new. For his third collection for the label, he went right back to that moment in time when American fashion merged with Parisian Haute Couture with M. de la Renta's arrival in Paris to design Couture. Copping played on proportions with slim fit knit tops juxtaposed against opulent full skirts in rich colors and fabrics drawing attention to the waist. Little fur collar details, mirrored heeled courts, oversized bows at the back of dresses attached to jeweled necklaces, peekaboo lace bodies and even a deep red leather dress sculpted at the waist were all part of the collection, while a black leather tulip skirt gave it a fresh contemporary flavor.Taking inspiration from Versailles, rich opulent brocade and jacquard fabrics were worked into everything from ladylike suiting to floor sweeping ball gowns. Models wore their hair in effortless chignons with whispers of make-up. The Oscar de la Renta woman is paired back and polished, sleek and strong just the way the late fashion designer would have liked it.
Natalie Theo
