Fashion Friday: Celebrating Oscar

 

The fashion world is mourning the passing of the fashion giant, Oscar de la Renta.  De la Renta was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on July 22, 1932 which would influence him to forever bring vibrant, tropical colors to his work. Early on in his career, De la Renta worked with the likes of Christòbal Balenciaga, he became a couture assistant at Lanvin, and with Elizabeth Arden to design haute couture gowns. With a career spanning over 50 years, his masterful artistry and modernity has garnered him celebrity fans who adore wearing his gowns on the red carpet.

Oscar from the Runway to the Red Carpet

 

Kerry Washington wearing de la Renta was feminine and sophisticated at the NAACP Image Awards. The look was paired with nude Christian Louboutin heels.

Cameron Diaz in a silk, strapless, floral dress.

Lucy Liu in an abstract embroidered, knee-length dress.

Rihanna in a floral embroidered gown with a sweetheart neckline at the 2011 Brit Award.

Jennifer Connelly in a voluminous gown with a braided waistband.

Camilla Belle accessorized the sheath dress with a classic bag and peep-toe heels.

Kerry Washington looked elegant and modern  in a bright floral printed gown. The look was accessorized by understated diamonds.

Liv Tyler in the Mandarin-collar dress, paired with chunky heels.

Nicki Minaj in a de la Renta original at the 2011 American Music Awards.

The retrospective of de la Renta’s career opened in July 2014 in Dallas, Texas in the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. 64 ensembles have been arranged into themes influenced by de la Renta’s passion for gardening, the Spanish influence on his designs (de la Renta studied art in Madrid at the age of 18), and gowns worn by celebrities on the runway or political figures.

Former first lady Laura Bush at the Oscar de la Renta retrospective at the George W. Bush Library and Museum.

A few of the 60 ensembles featured during the famed designer's retrospective exhibit.

Hillary Clinton wearing Oscar de la Renta at Bill Clinton’s 1997 inaugural ball.

Oscar de la Renta with former first lady Nancy Reagan.

 

He created his own label, Oscar de la Renta, in 1965. In addition to running his label which began its famous Oscar de la Renta Bridal Collection in 2006, de la Renta has also been the president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America from 1972 to 1976 and again from 1986 to 1988, and he revived the French haute couture house Pierre Balmain in 1993.

Oscar at the Met

Serena Williams

Oscar and Oprah

Sarah Jessica Parker

Bridal: In a League of His Own

Oscar de la Renta had a storied career and will be missed by many. In the words of Diane von Furstenberg, “he made women feel like flowers”. His legacy will live on forever. 

I do not claim ownership of the above images.

Still Hope Celebrity Weekend Extravaganza

The Still Hope Foundation is a non-profit organization that aids in the assistance of single mothers in the Hampton Roads, VA community. The organization was founded nearly a decade ago by Tony and Monica Brothers in honor of both their mothers who were single at some point while trying to raise their children. 

Still Hope equips mothers with the tools that will enable them to become self-sufficient leaders of their households. Through various programs and initiatives, a single mother has the opportunity to set goals for herself and her family. The programs consist of Journey for Success, Pathways and She’source.  Journey for Success assists mothers transitioning from a crisis situation. Pathways assist working mothers regardless of her socio-economic status. She’source helps working single mothers looking to move up the corporate ladder or start her own business or non-profit organization.

Each September Hampton Roads, VA. has to look forward to the celebrity-filled weekend extravaganza. Tony Brothers is a well-known NBA referee and has made it known throughout the league, his cause of empowering single mothers. This year was no different and the events did not disappoint.   

The events included a masquerade ball, casino night at Nauticus, dancing on the Battleship Wisconsin, and a Jazz concert and comedy show to close out the weekend. 

 The Masquerade Ball

Casino Night at Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin

Jazz Concert with Host Lamman Rucker