The Oscar of fashion world

If I say “Oscar”, in movie world could mean one of the most important prizes in the world. But in fashion, the name “Oscar” could indicate just one designer, one label adored by everybody: Oscar de la Renta. Yes, that amazing designer that gave us the most fabulous red-carpet gowns, the perfect delicate chiffon dresses, the dreamy wedding gowns. Therefore, it is a real treat to see all the designs from more than 50 years of activity of this loved fashion house in one exquisite exhibition, in San Francisco, at Young Museum. (CLICK on the gallery above, for more pictures)

Oscar de la Renta exhibition, at Young Museum, San Francisco, until May 30. (www.famsf.org)
We are going to see designs from more than 50 years of activity of this loved fashion house in one exquisite exhibition, in San Francisco. 

Oscar de la Renta fashion house had just reached its 50-year milestone when the celebrated Dominican-American designer passed away in 2014. His designed were cherished by all: from Hollywood stars to brides-to-be, from young girls to elegant ladies or even first ladies.

At Young Museum, in San Francisco, curator André Leon Talley gathered more than 130 looks that span de la Renta’s early years at Balenciaga and Lanvin through red-carpet creations that made his name synonymous with modern glamour and gracious living. Talley trawled through both the museum’s archives and the designer’s for a year, and borrowed pieces from the collections of people ranging from first ladies — Hillary Clinton, Barbara Bush — and celebrities — Taylor Swift, Sarah Jessica Parker — to notable patrons like Nan Kempner and Marissa Mayer, in addition to a considerable number of pieces from Annette de la Renta herself.

Fittingly, the exhibit opens with an early defining moment: three dresses from the so-called “Battle of Versailles,” when de la Renta was one of the American designers who presented against the best of Paris in 1973. The, the next arrangements put together dresses with Spanish influence, than Eastern (Russian). The grand finale of the exhibit is a pink carpeted stairway filled with mannequins displaying gowns worn by celebrities including Jessica Chastain, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj and Swift, who sent her personal dress.

Photography: courtesy of Young Museum, San Francisco & Getty Images