Oscar de la Renta’s Spring 2013 collection is a whimsical
combination of politically correct silhouettes and a cotton candy-themed color scheme. The 80-year-old designer proves, once again,
that he can remain relevant with his classically feminine and expertly
constructed clothes.
De la
Renta, known for dressing former First Lady Laura Bush and Secretary of State
Hillary Clinton, created a collection that practically begs for Michelle
Obama’s approval. The First Lady has never
publically worn any of De la Renta’s clothes, but I can see that changing with
the upcoming season.
The show
began with a red leather top cinched with a wide, red leather belt, blue
structured blazer, and a white high-slit pencil skirt. The model, styled with an overtly dramatic
messy beehive, looked as if she stepped right off of the campaign trail, until
she turned the corner. Only visible from
the side view was a bubblegum-pink strand of hair. Every model had vivid strands painted in her
hair, ranging from highlighter-yellow to electric-blue; a playful smirk by De
la Renta to unite his 60-look collection.
While at
times the show tended to wander, De la Renta always seemed in control. He masterfully transitioned from piece to
piece, confirming that there was a method to his qualified madness.
After beginning with the sexuality
of red leather, De la Renta gracefully evolved into the purity of white lace
separates and pantsuits. The sheer lace
tops and deep necklines erased all images of Grandma’s doilies, and instead
seemed just as sensual as red leather.
A mixture of lemon-hued daywear, hot
pink quarter-length jackets with blue tassels, and black yarn graffiti fabric
followed the white lace dresses. Not
surprisingly, De la Renta designed all of these pieces to be functional as
ready-to-wear staples.
The highlight of the show was the
spectacular ending featuring De la Renta excelling at what he does best:
evening wear. The combination of full,
a-line, and pencil skirts added to the excitement. Although very chic with classic lines, these
pieces were not without drama and texture.
A full, floor-length dress with nautical stripes reminiscent of Ralph
Lauren, along with a hot-pink, feathered peplum top over pink shorts, were
among the standouts. We will undoubtedly
be seeing many of these dresses worn by celebrities and politicians’ wives in
the near future.
If there was any doubt before that
De la Renta knows how to dress women, it has now permanently been
vanquished. His Spring 2013 collection
may be among the best throughout his 50-year career.
