Oscar de la Renta: Resort 2012

Every season, I fall more in love with Oscar de la Renta.

I’ve always been drawn more towards Spring and Summer collections. Maybe it’s the brighter colors, the airy fabrics, or sense of fun and whimsy that comes along with a warmer weather wardrobe. Oscar de la Renta’s 2012 Resort collection, influenced by Picasso’s cubist period, and Spain, is one of my favorites yet, and left me dying to run off on a magical European summer vacation.

Last night was my first experience shooting a resort show. Much like the calm atmosphere backstage at the Fall 2011 show, relaxation ruled the day. So many shows come with a frazzled, hectic environment, that coupled with pushy photographers, taints the whole fashion experience for me. None of these things are ever found at Oscar shows. I was left wishing more nyfw shows could be exactly like this!

Pre-show calm.

When I first arrived, I took a peek backstage. In hair and makeup, models read books, and chatted with their stylists while getting prepped for the show.

Heavy brows dominated the beauty look, along with bright orange or red lips:

A closer look.

The finished beauty look.

Work in progress.

Tools of the trade:

Real human hair extensions. I learned that fake hair doesn’t curl.

Hair was curled into gentle, natural looking waves that were allowed to fall:

Amidst all the pre-show prep, the models still found time to have fun:

And check their messages:

More of the finished makeup looks:

The hair pins were released later.

Over in the dressing area, I found an explosion of color:

One of the first looks to catch my eye.

Closeup of an awe-inspiring bubble gum pink gown.

Bright jewel tone accessories:

Woven belts:

To die for shoes:

Putting the finishing touches on each look:

Oscar gave his final thoughts on the styling:

A small group of models preparing for a pre-show photo shoot for WWD donned intricate origami card stock hats:

I am waiting for PS. I Made This to DIY these! Or maybe I can bribe my 13 year old origami loving cousin to make me one– in exchange for his favorite Japanese candy from Aji Ichiban in Chinatown. ; )

Oscar taking a look.

Getting in position.

The hair and makeup team finalizing each look.

Later, back in the hair and makeup room, I spotted the always lovely Julia Frakes chatting with Oscar:

And then, after a brief wait on the riser, the show began:

The thoughts going through my head while shooting runway show consists mainly of things like “oh that’s pretty!” and “I’d wear that!”. After spending multiple hours sorting and editing the photos, the finer details came out. The dress I thought was pretty presents itself in a new light. Those details and patterns take on new meaning, as you realize the show’s “theme” is present in every aspect of the clothing.

Picasso’s cubist patterns, and symbolism–like guitars take unexpected form, on a shirt, necklace, or brooch:

The heavy Cubism and Spanish influences blended together seamlessly with trademark Oscar :

One of my favorite looks:

Such epic sleeves!

While I admire her taste for high street fashion, this is what Kate Middleton should be wearing—Oscar.

Another favorite.

Being a sucker for anything shiny, I like how Oscar incorporates sequins into every collection. Instead of veering towards gimmicky, they look classy:

And of course, it wouldn’t be a resort collection without swimwear:

Love this!

Despite never having an occasion to wear one, the gowns are always my favorite portion of the show:

The unexpected combination of pink and gray is beautiful.

Because you can never own too many beautiful dresses:

Gorgeous!

More epic sleeves! I love the combination of this blouse, and dress:

The sleeves are like spun sugar!

This dress has got to be one of the sexiest black dresses I have ever seen:

Fit for a princess!

I would get married in this, despite the “non-traditional” color.

That veil!

The show stealer:

Nearly every stylish woman I know talks of one day being able to afford all the pieces they want from X Designer. Oscars clothes are aspirational in a completely different way. You don’t just long for an unlimited bank account to purchase pieces that tell others of your good taste, or status. The reaction to Oscar is much more emotional. His clothes make you want to become a more chic, glamorous woman. When I see them, I want to be that woman.

Oscar’s clothes are wearable by all women who want to be elegant. Before the show began, I saw women of all ages and shapes in the audience, and working the show, looking beautiful in pieces from past seasons. Not surprisingly, I thought this collection was amazingly beautiful. And I love that every season, no matter the current whims of my personal style, I can find something that I would want to wear in each Oscar de la Renta collection that calls out to me as if it were screaming my name.

Blink, and you’ll miss Oscar!

Thank you again to the lovely ladies at Oscar de la Renta for inviting me to to photograph this show!

See the full 200+ photo set here.

All photos and content ®2011 Rachel Scroggins/The Greyest Ghost