The Glamour and Romance of Oscar de la Renta October 8, 2017–March 18, 2018
Oscar de la Renta, Custom Wedding Dress and Veil, 2014, silk tulle, lace, silk organza, silk taffeta, horsehair, grosgrain, caviar beads, and rhinestones, Collection of Mrs. Amal Clooney.
Oscar de la Renta, Evening Dress, resort 2013, silk, courtesy of Oscar de la Renta Archive (worn by Beyoncé Knowles in Vogue magazine, March 2013).
Oscar de la Renta, Evening Dress, fall 2012, silk and silk tulle, courtesy of Oscar de la Renta archive (worn by Penelope Cruz at the Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2011).
Oscar de la Renta, Custom Evening Dress, 2006, silk chiné taffeta, courtesy of Oscar de la Renta archive (worn by Kirsten Dunst as Queen Marie-Antoinette in Vogue magazine, September 2006).
Oscar de la Renta, Custom Evening Ensemble, 2001, silk taffeta and silk satin, courtesy of Oscar de la Renta Archive (worn by Mica Ertegun to an event celebrating her 40th wedding anniversary to Ahmet Ertegun, 2001). © Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
Left to right: Oscar de la Renta, Custom Evening Coat, 2012, silk taffeta, the Collection of Annette de la Renta (worn by Annette de la Renta at the Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2012); Evening Dress, fall 2014, silk and metallic cloqué, bead and rhinestone embroidery, and gilt feather appliqué, courtesy of Oscar de la Renta archive (worn by Karlie Kloss at the Charles James: Beyond Fashion Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2014).
Oscar de la Renta for Pierre Balmain, Evening Dress, fall/winter 1999–2000, silk velvet, silk embroidery, and silk appliqué.
Oscar de la Renta for Pierre Balmain, Evening Dress, fall/winter 1998–99, silk taffeta with bead, sequin, and metallic-thread embroidery, and chenille yarn, Texas Fashion Collection, University of North Texas, gift of Mercedes Bass.
Left to right: Oscar de la Renta, Coat and Dress Ensemble, fall 1968, novelty weave fabric, fur, and brilliants, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, gift of an anonymous lady; Oscar de la Renta, Evening Ensemble, 1960–69, metallic thread, brilliants, plastic beads, sequins, and feathers, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, gift of Margaret Alkek Williams.
House Drawing, spring 1992, courtesy of Oscar de la Renta Archive.
Oscar de la Renta for Jane Derby, House Sketch of Day Ensemble, Dress and Jacket of Yellow and White Wool, fall 1966, courtesy of Oscar de la Renta Archive.
► Información en español sobre la exposición
“This Oscar de la Renta Fashion Exhibit Will Take Your Breath Away” —Harper’s BAZAAR
The Glamour and Romance of Oscar de la Renta celebrates the illustrious life and career of the renowned fashion designer. The exhibition showcases 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 Glamour and Romance of Oscar de la Renta highlights 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 offer a window into de la Renta’s world through a range of looks, from elegant daywear to resplendent evening gowns.
The ensembles are 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 culminates 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.
► Publication
An illustrated catalogue is available through the MFA Shop (713.639.7360) and the Museum’s Hirsch Library (713.639.7325).
► Audio Tour
The optional audio tour explores Oscar de la Renta’s life, inspirations, and fashion through interviews with the designer’s clients, family, and close associates—including André Leon Talley and local lenders. Audio-tour players, based on availability, are located at the exhibition entrance. Offered in both English and Spanish.
► Exhibition Admission
Tickets, available online and on-site, include access to the Museum’s art collections.
| MFAH Member (Join now!) | Free |
| Adult (19+) | $25 |
| Senior (65+ with ID), Military (with ID), College Student (19+ with ID), Youth (13–18) |
$20 |
| Child (12 & younger) | Free |
Make It a Combo! Save when you combine your tickets to The Glamour and Romance of Oscar de la Renta with admission to Peacock in the Desert and/or Michelangelo and the Vatican. A two-exhibition combo pack is $30—and, during Spring Break (March 11–18), a combo pack for all three exhibitions is still just $30!
This exhibition is organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, with the collaboration of Oscar de la Renta, LLC.
Lead Sponsors:
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Cherie and Jim Flores
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With additional generous funding from:
Mr. and Mrs. Russell M. Frankel
Carol and Mike Linn
Hallie Vanderhider
Rosanette and Harry Cullen
Vivian L. Smith Foundation
Russell Reynolds Associates
Official Promotional Partner:
