Oscar dela Renta sticks to summer brights for pre-fall

MANILA, Philippines - It seems like esteemed designer Oscar dela Renta has a hangover from summer — or maybe opening up to brighter possibilities now that the recessive economy seems to be improving. His pre-fall collection was a cheery set of spirited floral prints, feel-good colors and lightweight knits. Except for some tweed work, this pre-fall collection is holding on to the summer clichés that have been conspicuously absent the last couple of years.

Canary, turquoise, vermillion and hot pink were seen on tweed jackets, waisted frocks, patchwork skirt, college girl sweaters and floral peacoats. Flirty dresses looked as if they belonged in a tropical resort rather than a wardrobe meant for the near-blustery climes of October, while open-necked lace-trimmed shirts added a devil may-care attitude to a season meant to be serious and somber.