I had the good fortune to be a guest at the "Oscar de la Renta: The Retrospective" exhibit at the de Young museum in San Fransciso. (unfortunately, the exhibit closes on May 30th, or I would make a return visit). The exhibit was curated by Andre Leon Talley, a life long friend of Oscar de la Renta, and editor at large for Vogue for many years. Oscar de la Renta is best known for his gorgeous evening apparel that exemplified the modern yet feminine touch in couture. Although born in the Dominican Republic, (didn't know that..thought he was Italian), he apprenticed in first Spain, while attending art school and working at Balenciaga, then in Paris for Lanvi. In spite of his birth and European training, Mr. de la Renta considered himself an American designer, and designed for American women.
Oscar de la Renta came to fame under the fashion reign of FLOTUS Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy, and has dressed every FLOTUS, since including Mrs. Obama. (psst...she was the latest holdout..she publicly wore one of his creations at a White House lecture on fashion).
He has been quoted as saying "I do not know how to do casual clothes", and is reported to reach Mrs. Obama as a client by chiding her for wearing a sweater to Buckingham Palace when meeting the Queen. (??). He is (was) also known as the Sultan of Suede; He is best known for the beautiful evening and formal wear, and the cocoon coat (I thought is was Scaparelli?) He most lately designed the wedding dress of Amal Clooney as well as the Michelle Obama creation. He is also renowned for giving Mrs. Clinton her signature "pant suit", and designed the inauguration dress for Laura Bush. His famous patrons include SJP, JLO,Oprah, Penelope Cruz, Barbara Walters, Gwyneth Paltrow, Anne Hathaway, and a host of others.
The exhibit was packed, however, I was able to snap a few pictures. One hundred thirty garments were on display covering the fifty year span of his designs. I was immediately struck by the obvious fact that each and every creation I saw was as relevant today as it was when originally designed; seriously, only the addition of currently styled shoes, etc. or other more modern touches in hair and make-up styling. I wish I had taken more pictures, but it was not possible. Unfortunately the picture of the dress donated by Mrs. Nancy Reagan did not turn out. (unfortunately, neither did a few more)....too dark and too crowded
If any of my readers have the time, the exhibit is well worth while. Catch it while you can. BTW, an average Oscar de la Renta day dress is approximately fifteen hundred dollars; I have seen two on eBay for under $50.00; unfortunately, both of them are neither my size or have body lines that would flatter my figure....but, WTTW, any size 8 who has great toned upper arms might want to take a look...especially the cream with the black pin stripe and the black gross grain trim...wish I could wear it......BTW, in the nature of artistic work increasing in value upon the artist's demise, I would expect any original Oscar de la Renta design will increase in value.
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