A Look Back at the Awe-Inspiring Runway of Oscar de la Renta

There's really no better match in fashion than florals and Oscar de la Renta.

Always at the forefront of trends while still remaining true to classic style, the designer sent a cool-girl play on gingham down the runway, and it quickly became one of the most-talked-about prints of New York Fashion Week.

For a new spin on eveningwear, this runway was filled with formal separates and whimsical color combinations.

The first handful of looks were as far into menswear as we've seen from the designer, and we certainly weren't expecting pinstripes.

We could hear a few of the gowns coming before they even emerged from backstage, like this gold gown of lacquered feathers and circle beads, which clinged and clanged so beautifully that it was a pity to think it'd ever just hang on a rack.

Karlie Kloss walked out in the final number, made of polka dots on tiered ruffles of tulle, before she took a bow with Oscar himself.

But the fashion was all Oscar.

Galliano's styling practices came through on the runway . . .

Fall 2013 marked Oscar's studio collaboration with John Galliano.

Of course, he didn't have to try as hard with things like lace.

In Spring 2013, Oscar took materials like latex and leather and made them ladylike.

The multiple layers of tulle were very real.

In Fall 2012, Oscar (nearly) tricked the eye with trompe l'oeil gemstone prints.

The tassels, however, moved on their own.

A wind machine helped the many feathers in Oscar's Spring 2012 collection move on the runway.

And who wouldn't be able to stay warm with a fur hat bigger than their head?

This sleek suit, however, was made more for evening hours than office hours.

This suit was one of many pink — yet professional — looks from Spring 2011.

But this one channeled Oscar's known love for flamenco — and, of course, ruffles.

This dress, with its full skirt, evoked the spirit of the '60s.

Well, actually, especially those trimmed with fur.

Gorgeous coats dominated in Fall 2010, including those trimmed with fur.

Orange wasn't quite the new black in Spring 2010, but that didn't stop this dress from looking spectacular.

Spring 2010 included sculptural dresses with strong shoulders.

The season was a little animalistic, especially with this green leopard sweater.

A striped fur coat sashayed down the runway in Fall 2009.

This seriously stunning dress was made even more beautiful with a flower appliqué.

Oscar's love of flowers sprang back to life in Spring 2009.

. . . or applied to a cocktail dress.

A-line skirts were a big hit for Fall 2008, whether on their own . . .

But this suit, with its geometric embellishments, made for an interesting option at the office.

This gold dress was made to be worn on the red carpet.

The exaggerated cowl-neck on this dress gave it a sense of fantasy.

How luxurious was this fur-trimmed cocktail dress?

Flowers, this time painted on, made Oscar's Spring 2007 collection look like a garden.

Oscar updated a classic yellow dress with a black-and-white floral appliqué.

Oscar also loves lace, and there's no better evidence of that than this dress from Spring 2007.

Sequins provided the wow factor for this otherwise classic dress.

A classic, cozy leopard coat looked great coming down the runway in Fall 2006.

The unexpected pairing of a t-shirt and an elegant skirt provided a little whimsy in the Spring 2006 collection.

Jacquards, like this one from Spring 2006, are also an important part of Oscar's playbook.

Ruffles and other 3D embellishments are one of Oscar's hallmarks.

Sheen is a major factor in Oscar's clothing, and here we saw it in both the coat and the skirt.

Back to Fall, back to fur.

This season also included vibrant prints.

Spring 2005 took a little bit of a preppy turn.

But more practical options, like this Winter white suit, were also included in his Fall 2004 collection.

Oscar loves a sparkly party dress, especially in Winter.

This lime-green dress spoke to the spirit of springtime.

What could be fresher than a t-shirt paired with a pencil skirt?

And this fur-trimmed coat.

Fall 2003 had lots of options for sumptuous warmth, including this wrap.

It also spoke to his love of floral motifs.

Oscar loves a ruffle, and his Spring 2003 collection included them.

The collection also included more minimal pieces, including this camel overcoat.

De la Renta's Fall 2002 collection was as richly decorated as any.