#6762 $950
Oscar de La Renta evening dress, 1980s
After studying design in Madrid, de la Renta began his fashion career under the tutelage of Cristobal Balenciaga. De la Renta later moved to Paris, where he worked as a couture assistant to Antonio Castillo at Lanvin. The influence of these two great Spanish designers can be seen in de la Renta's work.
I love the contrasting textures in the almost monochromatic design. The shoulders and sleeves are black velvet; the softly pleated skirt is black silk crepe; and the bodice bow of gray silk mesh is totally covered with clear crystal beads.
The refined elegance of the style offers just a hint of sexuality with the low cut bodice front and high skirt slit. The dress closes in back with a nylon zipper. The sleeves close at the wrist with snaps. The bodice is lined with black. The skirt is unlined.
"You can wear black at any time," said Christian Dior in 1954. "You can wear it at any age. You may wear it on almost any occasion." That is as true today as it was 50 years ago.
The condition is excellent. It is clean and ready to wear.
The size is marked 6. It measures: 36" bust, 32" underbust, 38" hip, 24" sleeve length and 57" from the shoulder to the hem.
