Oscar De la Renta Empire Fabulous Embroidered Gown sz 12
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Oscar De la Renta Empire Fabulous Embroidered Gown sz 12
About the Item
These pieces are labeled “Oscar de la Renta,” who designed them for one of his most discerning clients of the 1980’s. This was the era when he was also the designer for the prestigious haute couture house of Balmain in Paris. The French influence and attention to detail is unmistakable in the design and manufacture of these remarkable pieces.
White-on-Cream Strapless Empire Oscar de la Renta Haute Couture Gown
This is the gown of a lifetime. The structured bodice with integrated brassiere hugs the body close at the bosom and floats over the body with delicate grace. The underdress is a simple creamy crepe de chine that is revealed from the inverted “V” of the embroidered overlay. The design is simple and elegant, letting the ravishing overlay speak its multitudes.
The overlay is embroidered in complementary tones of cream, pearl and white in a trailing floriate motif of white tublular beading, forget-me-not shaped beads, pearl rice grain beads, crystal three-dimensional sequins, crocheted silk floss roses, and embroidered roses with white crystal centers. The bodice and inverted V opening are edged with a lattice of pearl beads and crystal three-dimensional sequins. Fetchingly drawn over each hip is a medallion of raised and embellished silk floss roses, trailing embroidery vines, small flowers, and larger latticework. The effect breaks up the pattern and draws attention to the hips in an understated and surprising way. When worn, every inch of the dress sparkles and glows.
The dress is secured with an internally boned bodice and brassiere, and fastens with an invisible zipper in the back. Because the waist and hips are less encumbered, it can work for a range of sizes, so long as it can be secured at the bust.
This would be a remarkable wedding dress for a truly sophisticated bride who wants a rare combination of restrained design with staggering embellishment. It would look fabulous in the winter with a fur shrug, or on a tropical pavilion with a gossamer veil. The off-white color would also be a showstopper for a red-carpet evening or grand gala entrance. This dress is beautiful beyond belief, and will make the fortunate woman who wears it into a goddess of the highest order.
Bust 35"
Waist 33"
Hips 42"
Length 51"
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 12 (US)
- Period:
- Material Notes:Silk Glass beads, Swarovski Crystal
- Condition:Excellent, perhaps never worn.
- Seller Location:Cloverdale, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: AU11010958549
Oscar De La Renta
The name Oscar de la Renta is synonymous with enduring originality in fashion, and his work deeply influenced other designers throughout the latter half of the 20th century. Vintage Oscar de la Renta evening dresses and gowns — which often feature ruffles, dazzling prints, vibrant colors and dramatic silhouettes — exude elegant sophistication and femininity, while his exquisite scarves and shoes rounded out his sought-after collections.
De la Renta was born in the Dominican Republic in 1932. He was the youngest of seven children, the rest of whom were girls. At the age of 18, he left home for Madrid and studied painting at the San Fernando Royal Academy of Fine Arts. A natural talent for illustration earned him an apprenticeship with the legendary Spanish fashion designer Cristobal Balenciaga.
In 1961, de la Renta visited Paris, where he was hired as a couture assistant at Lanvin. Less than two years later, he moved to New York City. He designed a ready-to-wear collection for Elizabeth Arden and partnered with Jane Derby. He also began designing dresses for First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. When Derby died in 1965, the label was named after de la Renta (he took full control in the 1970s). Shortly after, he married an editor-in-chief of French Vogue, Françoise de Langlade, whose own career in fashion began at Elsa Schiaparelli’s fashion house.
De la Renta served as president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America from 1973–76, and again from 1986–88. In 1981, the tradition of de la Renta dressing First Ladies continued. He quickly became one of Nancy Reagan’s favorite designers (as well as her lifelong friend).
De la Renta expanded his clothing lines throughout the 1990s but kept true to his feminine, polished style. He also continued to design for the First Ladies of the United States, and his pieces were worn by both Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush. At Balmain, de la Renta was the first Dominican to design for a French couture house.
Over the course of his career, de la Renta earned the CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award, the Coty Award and the Fragrance Foundation’s Perennial Success Award. He passed away in 2014.
In 2015, the Savannah College of Art and Design Museum of Fashion + Film showcased more than 80 of de la Renta's gowns at its inaugural exhibit.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Oscar de la Renta suits, blouses, accessories and handbags.
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