He was one of the most influential fashion designers of the 20th century. Óscar Aristides Ortiz Renta Fiallo, known as Oscar de la Renta. After his death last fall, the fashion guru and former Editor-at-Very-Large of the US Vogue, André Leon Talley, honored the late designer with an exhibition in the SCAD Museum of Art. In this exhibition, he sheds light on the close relationship he had with his customers, close friends and his family. "Oscar de la Renta designed clothes for women who wanted to look and feel beautiful, at their most elegant best," said André Leon Talley. Exclusive gowns are shown at the exhibition, directly out of the wardrobes of his muses: Mercedes T. Bass, Diana Taylor, his wife Annette de la Renta or of his stepdaughter Eliza Bolen, as well as dresses worn on the red carpet by stars such as Nicole Kidman, Beyoncé or Sarah Jessica Parker. 'Oscar de la Renta: His Legendary World of Style' is both a unique insight and brilliant inspiration.
The exhibit comprises about 50 dresses, including bridal gowns and evening robes in all colors, fabrics, and shapes. The magnificence of this fashion art is presented in perfection within the sunlit rooms of the Savannah College of Art and Design; only a few pedestals and deco-elements surround the splendid exhibits.
Talley and de la Renta were close friends, it is therefore no surprise that he would be in charge of the first posthumous exhibition. The SCAD was also very close to the fashion designer for more than a decade, who often provided the students with many a fabric from his collections. "Oscar took a personal interest in our students. They have learned from him, and SCAD is humbled to commemorate his love for our students with this resplendent exhibition," explains SCAD president Paula Wallace.
In the midst of all this happiness, there is a note of sadness. The fashion designer will no longer share new creations, but will be only seen in retrospect in the fashion world. Oscar de la Renta died of cancer at the age of 82.
'Oscar de la Renta: His Legendary World of Style'. Through May 3rd, 2015 at SCAD Museum of Art, 601 Turner Blvd., Savannah, Georgia. scadmoa.org