Beachwear

Oscar de la Renta|Oscar de la Renta

ca. 1969 · (a) nylon, metal; (b) nylon, metal; (c) nylon, elastane · Costume Institute

Dominican-born designer Oscar de la Renta initially pursued a career in fine art, entering the fashion industry as an illustrator. He went on to work for the label Lanvin-Castillo in Paris, and moved to New York under the employment of Elizabeth Arden and Jane Derby Designs before founding his own womenswear company in 1967. Between the late 1960s–2014 the designer expanded his boutique line into a vast business empire that included eveningwear, menswear, jewelry, linens, sportswear, accessories, and fragrance. Although de la Renta was especially known for his evening gowns—dressing several First Ladies of the United States, including Laura Bush and Secretary Hillary Clinton—leisurewear, streetwear, and global dress remained important influences to the designer throughout his career. This sporty swim ensemble, with matching cover-up, bikini bottom, and grommeted halter-top reflect the designer’s interest in resort wear, an area that readily engaged de la Renta’s equal predilection for comfortable and practical fashions.

Artist

Oscar de la Renta|Oscar de la Renta

Date

ca. 1969

Medium

(a) nylon, metal; (b) nylon, metal; (c) nylon, elastane

Culture

American

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Gift of Lois Standig and Kenneth Standig, in loving memory of their mother, Phyllis Standig Eagle, 2018