Oscar de la Renta’s pre-Fall 2008 collection, which was shown to an audience of press, buyers and socialites on Park Avenue in New York on Monday, was full of flower prints in bright red, yellow and teal. 

Said de la Renta: 

“It’s merchandise that hits stores in May and June, so it’s perfect for buying and wearing right away.” 

Dresses, which featured the feminine and frilly, came with oversized bows and pleated ribbons.  Satin organza blouses in gingham prints and cashmere silk cardigans looked alive in rich royal blue and deep purple.  Embroidery and sequined embellishment were also abundant, making ease from day to evening effortless.

From FWD:

Sleek black cashmere sweaters paired with the bright, full floral skirts gave the looks an air of mid-century bohemian chic, as though the girls stepped out of a gallery opening for an Abstract Expressionist artist in the ’50s.

But it was all about ’70s chic with wide-legged silk faille pants in burgundy or emerald paired with cardigans belted at the waist.

For evening, de la Renta did not hold back on the drama, whether it was a Victorian-esque black lace tiered gown with satin ribbon or the two show-stopping, Dynasty-worthy looks that closed the show that exemplified “bigger is better” – a gold tissue lame gown and a royal blue taffeta pleated gown that swirled like a tidal wave.