Oscar de la Renta presents 'timeless elegance' during NYFW

Oscar de la Renta closed day six of New York fashion week with a stunning display of timeless elegance that eclipsed the likes of Vera Wang, Tory Burch and Serena Williams. There were more than 70 events celebrating spring/summer 2016 on day six of the bi-annual style fest as New York sweltered in the September heat. Here are the highlights:

Oscar de la Renta

Oscar de la Renta unveiled its second collection since the death of its founder with another beautiful display of Spanish-inspired elegance by British creative director Peter Copping.

It was a masterclass in timeless, classical elegance with suits, breathtaking ball gowns, cocktail dresses, skirts and blouses crafted into a long, slender silhouette suitable for women young and old alike.

Copping made plentiful use of ruffles and lace. There were bold floral prints. Colors were crimson, black, white, green and splashes of orange. Guests were each treated to a red carnation on their seats, reputedly a favorite of the late de la Renta, who died in October 2014.

Vera Wang

Wang, perhaps best known for her red-carpet creations, offered the New York fashion crowd a meditation in black, unveiled on a mirrored set. When asked about her inspiration, she immediately burst out: "'Belle de Jour...' the film that (Yves) St Laurent did with Catherine Deneuve."

There were micro black shorts and bras under a large coat or a black, sleeveless men's jacket, a transparent skirt with a crop top, or a short black pleated skirt with a sheer black shirt worn over a white bra.

For evening, gowns and micro-shorts were shiny and glittery, paired with feathers and strappy boots up to mid-thigh. "It's a little Las Vegas," she finished.

Serena Williams

The tennis champ put a brave face on her shock US Open defeat, unveiling a capsule collection with Anna Wintour and rumored boyfriend Drake in the front row.

The rumor mill went into overdrive over Drake and Williams's relationship status after the Canadian rapper kissed her hand backstage, and the world number one used some of his music for the show.

All 23 looks for retailer HSN were practical, comfortable, affordable and infused with a relaxed, everyday casual vibe -- and all immediately available for purchase online. She made liberal use of fringing -- a key look of the spring/summer 2016 season -- with asymmetrical-tasseled skirts and tasseled suede jackets.

Poetry at Rodarte

Eccentric and gothic but feminine, sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy at Rodarte said they were inspired by poets Emily Dickinson, novelist William Burroughs and Canadian singer Leonard Cohen.

Even in the heat of summer, the Rodarte woman will be wearing high lace Gothic-style collars, a large Mongolian lamb fur jacket, and tweed or velvet pants. Lightness came in the form of lace tops, ruffles and fringes.

Coach in color

Best known for its handbags and leather goods, American house Coach presented a quirky collection full of color and freshness that marked 75 years in business.

"I thought the most important way to honor that was to actually boldly look forward. What does the next generation care about?" British creative director Stuart Vevers told AFP.(Brigitte Dusseau, AFP)

Images: AFP