Oscar de la Renta Dazzles in Tahoe

Oscar is everywhere; From the spectacular “Oscar de la Renta Resort 2015 Collection” fashion show that took place on the shores of beautiful Lake Tahoe in Nevada, to the current exhibit, “Oscar de la Renta: Five Decades of Style” at the George W. Bush Library and Museum in Dallas, Texas.

The elegantly coiffed and attired crowd of 670 strong gathered on August 2nd for a lively and sparkling afternoon event that featured de la Renta’s catwalk parade of dazzling new ensembles. The crystal blue waters of the lake served as the backdrop against which guests also sought to stand out in their gorgeous dresses and spectacular hats, while the men also rose to the occasion in colorful sport jackets.

It was the 45th anniversary of the event that first took place in 1969 with the couture fashion show by legendary designer Bill Blass (1923–2002). De la Renta is graciously continuing his colleague’s well-established and beloved tradition, attracting patrons from near and far, and selling out a month before each annual event.

For the past three years, Schumacher Estate in Incline Village, situated on the picturesque shore of Lake Tahoe, has hosted the event in partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue and The League to Save Lake Tahoe and keep it blue.

This year’s collection did not disappoint. It featured summery looks, flowing gowns in bright block colors from fuchsia, tangerine, and turquoise to brilliant yellow. There were also the designer’s signature richly embroidered floral numbers, tweed boucles, dramatic bows, polka dots with intricate appliqués on silk, taffeta, and chiffon. An infusion of de la Renta’s shoe line added additional excitement for the devoted fans of de la Renta’s fashions.

While all the action took place on the elevated runway showcasing the willowy sashaying models, who for some reason never smile, I decided to focus some of my attention on the shoes the chatty attendees wore to this glamorous soirée. As a woman who owns more than 80 pairs of shoes and more than 20 pairs of boots, you may say I have a fetish.

High heels definitely reached new heights at this gathering as the crowd’s obsession with shoes was also evident, even though walking on the estate’s grass as well as on Lake Tahoe’s sandy shore, the actual location of the sit-down lunch, would not have inspired Nancy Sinatra to sing, “These shoes and boots were made for walking.” Guests tried to outdo each other while nonchalantly parading killer heels. Gucci, Valentino, Prada, Tod’s, Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahniks, Christian Louboutin, the Brooks Brothers, Cavalli, and of course, Oscar de la Renta, were just a few labels that stood out.

Shoes, after all, are far more forgiving since we do not need to be the size of a fashion model to be able to wear them with equal glee.

The event grossed a record of $780,000 in just a few hours – a testament to the event’s tremendous success, history, and cache (or is it cash?). The live auction raised $220,000, a sum that included revenue from an Oscar de la Renta original watercolor painting. It sold in a hotly competitive bidding war for $16,000 to the jubilant Ms. Komal Shah.

“Look at the numbers: Oscar’s ‘New York Fashion Week’ in February 2015 live auction package raised the most it ever has – $60,000!” enthused Boaz Mazor, the longtime aide de camp and executive at large for the fashion house. “It was one of the best shows we’ve ever produced; a real beauty,” exclaimed Mazor. “After the show, people swarmed the Saks tent to shop. A whole million of them!”

“What an amazing year and a huge honor for us to continue this annual event with Oscar de la Renta,” said Robert Arnold-Kraft, the Saks Fifth Avenue General Manager, in an address to the crowd. “The unique setting for the fashion show and luncheon, framed by Tahoe waters, helps raise funds to keep Tahoe blue,” he said. “And as far as I know, we are already booked for next summer’s show.”

It was an idyllic summer afternoon with smiles all around and flowing champagne with the added gratification of knowing that we benefited a great cause.

Lina Broydo immigrated from Russia, then the Soviet Union, to Israel where she was educated and got married. After working at the University in Birmingham, England she and her husband immigrated to the United States. She lives in Los Altos Hills, CA and writes about travel, art, style, entertainment, and sports. She hardly cooks or bakes, not the best of ‘‘balabostas’’ her beloved beautiful Mom, Dina, was hoping for. Therefore, she makes reservations and enjoys dining out.

By Lina Broydo