Copping makes beautiful New York Fashion Week debut for Oscar de la Renta

Oscar de la Renta Tuesday unveiled its first collection since the death of its founder with a beautiful debut of Latin-inspired elegance made fresh by British creative director Peter Copping.

The de la Renta show was one of the most hotly anticipated of New York Fashion Week, with fashionistas intrigued to see how Copping would fare only four months since the death of the legendary Dominican-born designer.

"In this, my first collection, I hope to honour Oscar's legacy and also to start a new chapter for the house," wrote Copping in a brief note. He was appointed just weeks before de la Renta's death from cancer cut short their hopes of collaborating on the 2015 fall/winter collection.

Peter Copping reveals first collection for Oscar de la Renta

Copping said never having the chance to work with Oscar was "something I deeply regret" but said he was "immensely proud" to have been appointed. Hair was swept back in elegant chignons.

There were beautiful skirt suits for the lady who lunches, high necklines and delicate bows at the throat, stylish fur coats in monochrome, or brown with a hint of orange.

Lines were clean and elegant, full skirts were cut just above the knee. There were creamy, blue-flower prints, checks and tweed in white, black, red, burgundy, purple, orange and brown. Sequins, beads and fur-trim gave a refined, lady-like elegance.

For evening there were figure-hugging sheath dresses, sweetheart cocktail dresses with bubble skirts, or black lace halter necks. (AFP)