The Glamour and Romance of Oscar de la Renta

The exhibition celebrated the illustrious life and career of the renowned fashion designer. It showcased nearly 70 ensembles sourced from de la Renta’s corporate and personal archives; the archives of French label Pierre Balmain; private lenders; and the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Throughout his award-winning career, which spanned more than five decades and two continents, de la Renta (1932–2014) designed beautiful clothes for every occasion in a woman’s life. The exhibition highlighted recurring themes, including the impact of Spain, Russia, China, Japan, and the garden on his designs. Displayed along with paintings and decorative arts from the MFAH collections, the creations offered a window into de la Renta’s world through a range of looks, from elegant daywear to resplendent evening gowns. The ensembles were presented in four thematic sections, beginning with one of the most significant influences on de la Renta’s life: Spain, where he launched his career. The exhibition culminated in a look at gowns once worn by fashion icons, dignitaries, and celebrities, including Beyoncé, Laura Bush, Amal Clooney, Penelope Cruz, Kirsten Dunst, Karlie Kloss, and Lynn Wyatt.