Field trip to Oscar de la Renta exhibit

THE OSCAR DE LA RENTA “Five Decades of Style” exhibit at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas became the destination for a group of DAFA fashion enthusiasts in September 2014. The special exhibit featured a retrospective of the American fashion designer’s work from his early years through his recent fashions.

The gowns on exhibit included daywear and evening dresses worn by many U.S. First Ladies, including Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton and Nancy Reagan. Glittering evening wear on exhibit included gowns designed for American celebrities.

De la Renta is among the most famous recipients of the Neiman Marcus Award for Distinguished Service in the Field of Fashion. The couture clothing was displayed in a special gallery that is part of the new presidential center on the SMU campus.

Left to right: DAFA president JoAnn Musso photographs colorful gowns showing cultural influences from places like Russia and India.  Elaborate embroidery on a white wool coat. The highly recognizable Oscar de la Renta signature and sketches.

Left to right: Among the fashions designed for members of First Families was Jenna Bush’s wedding dress (center). Detail of the wedding gown skirt and train. Visitors survey the central gallery, showing fashions designed for U.S. First Ladies. Suits created for Nancy Reagan are front and center in this frame.

Left to right: DAFA member Carol Regan photographs early fashions inspired by Oscar de la Renta’s time in Spain. A deep red gown worn by Hillary Clinton as First Lady. Detail picture of elaborate embellishments on an evening gown. One of many sparkling gowns designed to be worn on the "Red Carpet."

Posted by Carolyn Skei