Luxury fashion brand Oscar de la Renta marked its 60th anniversary in the Dominican Republic with a landmark runway show and gala in the heart of Santo Domingo’s Colonial City, honouring both the house’s legacy and the Dominican roots of its founder.
The celebration unfolded within the storied walls of Fortaleza Ozama, where the Pre-Autumn 2026 collection debuted following a short-film on the history of the brand. An all-Dominican cast of models emerged to a live rendition of Ravel’s Boléro by the Dominican National Symphony Orchestra.
The setting, rich with history and reverence, offered a powerful backdrop for a collection that bridges past and future.
After the runway presentation, guests entered a five-part immersive gala experience conceived by visionary event designer David Monn and brought to life by executive producer Rodolfo Madera. Each space paid tribute to one of Oscar’s cherished Dominican escapes.
The evening culminated with special performances by the Buena Vista Orchestra, Dominican-Italian artist Yendry and additional local Dominican artists including Sandy Gabriel, Leo Subervi and Luis Mojica.
The spirit of the Dominican Republic was woven throughout the event through meaningful collaborations, including cuisine by Chef Olivier Bur of Casarré, handcrafted mixed beverages by Brugal and artisanal chocolates by Kahkow.
The immersive experience of film, fashion and gala was brought to life through partnerships with Grupo Puntacana, The Dominican Republic country brand and Banreservas.
Allies of Skin created a customised skincare routine focused on skin-first beauty for the models, featuring their skin plumping and lifting with the Multi Peptides and GF (Growth Factor) Advanced Lifting Serum.
The models’ backstage skincare prep was led by founder Nicolas Travis and facialist Leyen Tran to create a radiant, lifted finish before makeup. Patrick Ta, celebrity makeup artist, curated the iconic anniversary celebration look, bringing his signature artistry and trademark glow to life.
Designed to enhance and celebrate natural beauty, the radiant, sun-kissed makeup reflected the warm, golden setting of the evening with glowing bronzed skin. Lips were finished with a kiss of healthy colour in neutral hues using Patrick Ta Beauty’s newest launch, Major Moisture Smoothing Lip Balm, delivering cushiony shine and a smooth, glossy finish.
Hair direction was led by Dominican-American celebrity hairstylist Irinel de León, who created natural, refined looks that highlighted each model’s individual texture. De León crafted effortless waves, soft curls and coils and clean, sculptural cornrows, bringing a sense of ease and modern elegance that complements the house’s timeless aesthetic.
Oscar de la Renta’s Pre-Autumn 2026 Collection
For the Oscar de la Renta Pre-Autumn 2026 collection, Co-Creative Directors Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia pay homage to the house’s Santo Domingo roots, translating the beauty and joie de vivre of Dominican culture through a kaleidoscope of prints, textures and embroideries.
An array of striking, hand-painted Dominican landscapes – including the historic Fortaleza Ozama and Oscar de la Renta’s home in Punta Cana – are displayed across cotton poplin, satin and jersey styles. Earthy tones of tamarind, khaki and saltwater ground the colour palette.
The palm leaf – a hero motif of the collection – is envisioned in a multitude of ways. A chine toile iteration on canvas tailoring; sprawling printed leaves that degrade down a number of silhouettes and gold 3D threadwork leaves enveloping a cupcake mini and cocktail dress. Notably, a tonal intarsia technique of raffia and bugle beads gives a sun-bleached and antique effect to the palms.
A duo of ornate gold mosaic styles, created from individually-cut and hand-stitched squares juxtapose the fluidity of sumptuous silk fringe silhouettes that emerge in shades of paprika, olive and oyster.
Native Dominican florals adorn quilted silk daywear, chiné poplin and guipure lace dresses, and metallic jacquard fringe scarf styles. An intricate threadwork floralscape is seen on a sweeping caftan, a pair of minidresses and a breathtaking and blossoming gown.