Socialites and fashion editors braved an unrelenting downpour yesterday to see Oscar de la Renta’s 2008 Resort collection. But then again, anything for Oscar.

The high-ceilinged grand ballroom of 583 Park Ave. — designed by Delano & Aldrich — served as the backdrop for a collection that balanced prim day looks and an updated silhouette of the classic Oscar suit against flowing gowns with tiered ruffles and bold prints.

Fitted hand-knit sweaters in ivory and indigo were paired with washed silk faille wide-leg pants with the broadest of hems. Models shod in lizard slingbacks or patent ankle strap heels with tassels carried floppy clutches and totes of ikat prints and python.

For Mr. de la Renta, who has been known to entertain guests on an estate in his native Dominican Republic, the balmy locale must have been an inspiration for his wildly colorful palette. He dipped into a citrus bowl of tangerine, lime, and pineapple hues to create the looks that will linger offshore this winter. Silk shantung organza blouses, silk faille frocks, and a bold, floor-length caftan were all treated in the Day-Glo colors. Full-skirted dresses were shown cinched at the waist with white patent belts. Bow-shaped chignons and top-heavy bouffants kept the style sleek and polished.

Contrasting the bursts of color were several embroidered pieces in muted hues — from a two-piece black silk faille dress that ended in a playful feathered hem to a navy stretch georgette draped gown that created a sleek column along the body. An indigo-white ikat pattern was shown to great effect on flirty dresses of cotton piqué.

The collection reflected the brand’s ability to reach a variety of age groups. But it did include some misfires, especially a tiered, ruffled baby blue dress and a long yellow skirt, both of which should have been left in the islands. Other tropical pieces worked with remarkable ease. As for casual looks, this collection reaffirmed the shape of pants to come: high waist and wide hems.