Haute Couture Combines With Haute Culture At Freer/Sackler's Andre Leon Talley Book Signing Celebration

NATIONAL MALL -- Several hundred of the District's fashionably finest were treated to a private, afterhours celebration at the Sackler and Freer Galleries of Art last week, with the storied institution literally rolling-out the red carpet for the occasion.

Tuesday's fete featured a special book signing and discussion with author André Leon Talley, Editor-at-Large of Vogue Magazine as he debuted his newest book, Oscar de la Renta: His Legendary World of Style.

Hosted by museum Director Julian Raby and upscale Friendship Heights shopping destination Mazza Gallerie, the evening began with a private viewing of the Freer and Sackler Galleries before segueing into a intimate talk with Talley.

All throughout, guests were greeted at every turn by models wearing the latest from Oscar de la Renta's Fall/Winter 2015/2016 collection, which was presented in conjunction with Neiman Marcus, Mazza Gallerie.

But the models weren't the only ones sporting stylish de la Renta ensembles. Indeed, many of the guests took full advantage of the event to don their finest gowns, bags, and brooches from the iconic designer as well.

The fashion world lost a treasured luminary last year with de la Renta's passing. Throughout a career that spanned six decades, the Dominican Republic-born artist used his signature blend of old-world charm, impeccable taste, and commitment to applying only the highest standards of French couture to his work to win the trust and friendship of everyone from First Ladies Jacqueline Kennedy and Michelle Obama to Beyoncé, Amal Alamuddin, and Oprah.

A close personal friend of the designer, Talley traces the breadth of his career in his book through the presentation of some seventy iconic dresses, primarily created for private clients, accompanied by evocative stories of the superb craftsmanship and the legendary friends who brought each gown to life.

The presentation of a personal note to Talley from former First Lady Laura Bush, a fan of de la Renta's, during last week's event, perhaps served as the perfect example of the impact the designer made on the culture's couture.

It was a perfect night at the museum.