Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images

Models walk the runway at the Oscar De La Renta Fall 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week on February 18, 2009 in New York City.   Having outfitted first ladies and the like, Oscar De La Renta is not known for his youthful sprite, but the short hemlines and sleek shapes that pounced the runway yesterday were fresh and glamorous at the same time.  Hair and makeup were crucial in modernizing the look.  A rounded up-sweep defied gravity without looking stuffy.  Flattened leopard prints were geometric rather than organic and were peppered throughout.  Spicy tones, which have been savoured by the Dominican designer throughout his career colored in blocks.  Metallics were anything but garish, used as belts and on shoes.

At the bottom you can see that De La Renta is no stranger to animal prints and saturated colors.  He used both themes in past collections debuting in the mid 1990’s.

Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images

Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images – Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images

JON LEVY/AFP/Getty Images -  Evan Agostini/Liaison/Getty Images

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