Oscar de la Renta's Retrospective at the De Young in San Francisco

Oscar de la Renta (b. Dominican Republic 1932) died in the U.S. in 2014; having held duo Dominican & Amer citizenship.  His legacy for haute couture designs are known for their elegance, flair and for making women look & feel their loveliest.  He dressed numerous First Ladies, ladies who lunch and an array of A list celebrities.  His designs adorned First Ladies:  Kennedy, Reagan, Bush & Clinton.  His clothes are worn by contemporary entertainers:  Rihana, Sarah Jessica Parker (SJP), Penelope Cruz and Jessica Chestain.   He designed Amal Clooney's wedding dress, Laura Bush's inaugural dress and was honored at the MET Costume Instit Ball where Sarah Jessica Parker wore a ball gown with his name emblazoned in red (included in the exhibit.)  Many of the gowns & ready to wear outfits are identified by their owners; many belonging to Nan Kempner, Mercedes Bass, Lynn Wyatt and SF's infamous Pres of the  DeYoung Museum, Dede Wilsey.  It's fun to connect the seams with who was seen wearing what outfit.  This lavish exhibit is a joy to behold.  The designs and exquisite craftsmanship are breathtaking.  I dreamt of taking an outfit or two home with me.  Vogue style editor, Andre Leon Talley curates this fashionista's feast.  Talley takes us through Renta's designs beginning in the 1950's through the 21st C.  While some fashions are embedded in a specific era, most are timeless works of art and many iconic pieces are here to admire & eye with envy.  Renta's passions & influences are part of the exhibit. For example, his fascination with Spanish & Russian culture and his love for gardens & flowers are appropriated in his fancy frocks.  The elaborated beaded bolero jackets were my favorite pieces. "Fashion is about the present and the immediate future.  I think in terms of now." (O de la Renta) Oscar's designs demonstrate a timeless beauty.