Photos: Dan Lecca

DESIGNER: Oscar de la Renta

INSPIRATION: Newport and the Riviera via painterly prints

WHO WAS THERE: Top editors and buyers, like Linda Fargo from Bergdorf Goodman, Roopal Patel from Neiman Marcus, and a line-up of Elle senior staff front row: Anne Slowey, Robbie Meyers, Joe Zee and new Fashion Director Alexis Bryan

TOP LOOKS: Oscar's crisp khaki homage to YSL's safari suit (with a bustier). A khaki faille princess dress with voluminous knee-length skirts and a trim bustier-like tank. Tropical-printed georgette strapless ruffle fishtail gown with a thigh-high side slit. Peachy pale pink silk plissé-tiered gown covered with buttons down the trim bodice. A series of pin-up glamour bustier bathing suits worn with matching silk skirts and pareos.

ACCESSORIES: Kitten heels (the trend gains traction!), pointy-toed tweed leather slingbacks trimmed with black ribbon and serious gold chain; glamour-meets bohemian jewelry by Loulou de la Falaise for ODLR, like huge chandelier earrings with cabochon-cut stones, sweeping tassel earrings in red and black, and beaded, enameled jeweled outsize cuffs. Worth & Worth straw boater and gaucho hats. Cheetah print minaudieres, cork envelope bags with green and white embroidery on a long gold chain strap which were labeled as iPad clutches.

WHAT WE THOUGHT: We loved the trim, corset-like waists built into dresses that were topped with boleros. It was a fresh new shape that elongated the waist and accentuated the bust line (an important take away from the Fall season). The fabrics were rich as ever, with heavy doses of crocheted knits, elaborate tweeds (spiked with beads and sparkles), jewel-toned faille, and endless abstract painterly prints, which ranged from Gaugin to DeKoonng to Delft in feeling.

The Spanish touches like mantilla lace, white blouses paired with black pants, and a garnet beaded white matador jacket are classic Oscar. A black gaucho hat worn around the neck with a point d'esprit ball gown was breathtaking, gave caprice to the very formal dress.

Speaking of which, the designer spared no effort (or fabric) for the red carpet looks. We counted no less than 15 award show (or gala) worthy looks. When the competition is fierce between red carpet celebrities and society clients who pay full retail, it's best to give everyone lots to choose from.

The resort rundown continues with Michelle Obama favorite Jason Wu by clicking here.