A few weeks ago while in Texas visiting family, my parents, sister, and I went to The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. I’d wanted to make the trip ever since I wrote about Pride and Presidents, but this was my first chance.
Little did I know—and to the delight of the females in our group—the gallery that houses traveling exhibits was featuring five decades of the artistry of Oscar de la Renta. I’ve been wanting to share it with you.
Today seems like an appropriate time… even as my thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Mr. de la Renta.
As you probably know, Oscar de la Renta was a favorite designer of Laura Bush and designed many of the dresses she wore as First Lady. (He also designed her daughter, Laura’s, wedding dress.)
Several of her dresses—as well as some worn by first ladies Nancy Reagan and Hillary Clinton—were on exhibit. Do you remember any of these?
Of course, the renown designer created fashion statements for many women. Sometimes his colors were understated…
…and sometimes they were bold.
Some designs incorporated various global influences…
Whether or not a design was “my style,” it was easy to appreciate the amazing creativity and attention to detail that each ensemble exhibited.
I can only imagine what it must be like to wear a custom-designed dress that takes into account a woman’s form, function, and fantasy… but Laura Bush knows—and she shared her love and appreciation for her friend, Oscar de la Renta, in a video introducing the exhibit. I just re-watched it, and to see his smile and love of life is a good reminder for me to live every moment to its fullest! I hope you do the same!
Click below to watch—and enjoy!
DID YOU KNOW?
Oscar de la Renta was an advocate for orphans and adopted a baby from an orphanage in his beloved Dominican Republic in the early ’80s after his first wife died of bone cancer.
What a fun look back – thanks for sharing!
I look forward to watching this. What a designer. A sad time for his loved ones, indeed.
Hugs and happy week, Susan.
Kelley~
WHat a most wonderful tribute post, Susan! Loved every minute of the video and yes, I was able to match several of the garments to the ladies who wore them. Such class and style!