This week the “Oscar de la Renta: American Icon” exhibit opened at the William J. Clinton Presidential Center. The exhibition was compiled at the request of Hillary Clinton, who became friends with the designer after they met in 1993. The show of 30-plus mannequins is the first retrospective of de la Renta’s 50-year career (shocker as I would have thought he would have had a retrospective by now!).
As you may recall, Oscar de la Renta is one of my all-time favorite designers. I wear his dresses for the most special occasions, most recently at the Met Gala in May.
I’ve had the remarkable opportunity to meet Mr. de la Renta on several occasions and can I just say that he is as amazing and wonderful and kind as one would imagine him to be. He is the consummate gentleman who is generous, charming and also happens to have a great sense of humor.
At the opening ceremony, Hillary Clinton said to the crowd, “I wanted to do this because for me, it’s not just about the clothes, although they are really spectacular. It’s about what that means — the continuing effort to really be as good as you can be; whether it is in designing and creating a dress or building a wall or teaching a child, it is about excellence. It is about high standards. It is about what we should hold ourselves to no matter what we do in our lives.” How’s that for a Silver Lining?
The qualities I most admire in women are confidence and kindness.- Oscar de la Renta
The exhibit runs through December 1st at the William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park. Address: 1200 President Clinton Ave, Little Rock, AR 72201, Phone: (501) 374-4242
Photography By Max W. Orenstein/Clinton Foundation