We started Bag Snob two and a half years ago and are blown away by the strides taken by the fashion blogging industry; from Fashion week invitations to showroom visits, designers are now aware of the positive influence of fashion blogs and reaching out to us. Kelly and I were invited to Oscar de la Renta’s showroom yesterday to preview his latest bag collection, we were told Oscar would join us and we just about fainted- how many people can say they hung out at Oscar de la Renta’s showroom (and his private workroom loft, I was told most people do not get access up there!) with OSCAR himself!?!? We spent the first part of our visit playing with the new bags (THE strongest bag collection of the season-I will have more details on the fabulous Shagreen Goya bag I am carrying in the photo) and the Fall ’08 RTW collection, not only did I touch and feel all the samples, I was able to try them on! (most fit me perfectly, which means the 6′ tall models are a size 0!?!?) It was like playing dress up in your mother’s closet, except every item is an Oscar de la Renta masterpiece. The clothes were even more beautiful in person, the details in the stitching, beading, and embroidery were absolutely exquisite and extraordinary. Oscar applies the same meticulous haute couture detailing to his ready-to-wear as he did during his years as the Director of Pierre Balmain couture. From the runway we saw gold leafing, in person, the gold leafs are actually hand painted feathers!
Left: Jacquard jacket with sable trim. Right: Look #39
We were led upstairs to Oscar’s “inner sanctum” (he is one of few designers based in America who operates as a traditional European couture atelier. His office/showroom takes up an entire floor of a building and houses everyone from pattern makers to embroidery artisans and administrative staff to high level management- each of whom have direct access to Oscar, which makes the House of Oscar de la Renta a well oiled wheel.) and it was very exciting and felt like we were going to a secret hideout! We hung out, took photos and watched the team at work (on a new project, Oscar de la Renta is resurrecting his Menswear line!). As you can imagine, the entire experience was beyond amazing. To say this was the highlight of our career would be an understatement!
Oscar de la Renta Fall 2008 bags
Our hour long visit was not only awe-inspiring, it was very educational. We spent a lot of time learning about the fabrics Oscar used for the Fall ’08 collection; embroidered tulle(which looks like lace but much more sumptuous), intricate beading, handpainted jacquard, brocade, silk sponge crepe, it was all so incredible! Oscar de la Renta is known for classics but he is also very in tune with his young and hip clientele (which is growing by the minute), I used to think I’d wait until I was older to buy Oscar but his collection has such a youthful vibe that I plan to order several pieces! He is also on top of all the latest fashion happenings, our visit shows that he is totally down with new media and fashion blogging. Still blazing trails at age 75, I doubt the master of all things beautiful will ever slow down!
All photos Property of Bag Snob
love all the bags!
I just can’t get over how Fabulous your job is!!! Is there any chance you know the name of the Crocodile and Oistrich almost like doctors bags in your picture they look fabulous?
Thanks for your help and great work!
L.x
oh my, that grey bag is fab! where can I get it?
Tina and Kelly, what a wonderful experience!!! I bet you never dreamed two years ago that your blogging would gain you such access. What a gift to you two and as you said, an educatinal experience. First Tom and now Oscar – what a trip!!!
You look fantastic next to him and it looks like you had a lot of fun! The bag is beautiful!
OMG TINA . I would have given my left foot to be there! Congrats ladies. !!
OMG I want that brown/black croco bag NOW! Please we need details on when it will be available and where.
you look stunning in the jacket! I hope it is one of the pieces you ordered. and that bag, I want that bag!
Oh I forgot to tell you that you are indeed the cutest person on the planet!
Where is Kelly . She is also a beauty !! why no photos ?
Hi Pam, Kelly didn’t like her photo so she didn’t want to publish it. xo
Lucky you! Thanks for the wonderful report. And I can’t wait to hear more about that beautiful bag that you’re holding!
Oh my gosh, what an experience! He is a legend! My grandmother only wears Oscar… and I have never been interested before but will go check it out. The jacket is adorable on you and it is definitely youthful!
fab
i’m a man & admit that the bag is sharp. truly, you ladies are an inspiration to all those in an arduous affair with luxury & writing. i would’ve given to be the paint in that room & peel to witness this craftmanship of the highest calibre. you must invite back to see the menswear collection.
cheers!
signed…
narciso saint fleur
This is absolutely fabulous!!! OMG! with Oscar de la Renta!!! YOu are both lucky!!!
Cheers!
The Goya bag is divine. how much? when can we buy it? Would you say that is the bag to invest in for fall? thanks! xSam
P.S.(how gorgeous you look!)
Could you just die!?!?
This is a great story, thanks for sharing. You look fab in that jacket. Oscar looks so dapper!
I like the round hobo bag, the mini fairfax?
I am surprised that he would pose with a dwarf-looking chink!